Laia Codina, a prominent player for Arsenal Women, has been making headlines this season for her versatility on the field, often transitioning from her traditional role as a centre-back to take on responsibilities in midfield. In a recent press conference ahead of the match against OH Leuven, Codina opened up about embracing this new challenge.
“It’s a challenge, and I think that everyone around me knows that I love challenges,” she stated. Drawing from her experience at Barcelona, she expressed that adapting to the midfield role comes more naturally to her, allowing her to understand the game’s dynamics better. Codina emphasized her proactive approach on the pitch, saying, “I like to communicate a lot. I like to find always solutions for everything.”
Playing in a deeper position, she relishes the chance to provide more freedom for her teammates. For instance, when paired with fellow midfielder Mariona, Codina strives to enable her to play more freely. “I’m enjoying it when I have the opportunity to play in that role,” she noted, reflecting on how this shift not only contributes to her growth as a player but also enhances her communication skills, vital for collaborating with others in various positions.
Codina acknowledged the need for different types of communication, depending on her role. As a centre-back, she communicates differently with her midfielders compared to when she takes on the midfield role. “When I play as a six, I try to ask the centre-backs what they want from me,” she elaborated, stressing the significance of asking her teammates what they require to achieve optimal performance.
Additionally, Codina shared her pride in wearing the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup winner’s badge, a symbol of Arsenal Women’s historic achievement in European football. “It feels good to wear that badge, to be fair,” she said, highlighting the recognition of the club’s success. She noted that the realization of their accomplishments may take time but emphasized that wearing the badge signifies their place in history as the first team to achieve this honor.
Codina’s ability to adapt and her strong communication skills make her a key asset for Arsenal Women as they continue to build on their successes both domestically and in Europe. Her positive outlook and dedication to improvement are sure to inspire her teammates and fans alike as they look forward to the remainder of the season.