2015 Ladies Review: Most Improved Player

 By Lloyd Webb

In her first full season in the Arsenal Ladies first team, Carla Humphrey has certainly made the most of her opportunity.

The 18-year-old midfielder played the majority of her football in the early stages of the Continental Cup and was in particularly fine form in the group-stage victory against London Bees, scoring a fine equaliser to kickstart the Gunners' comeback from a goal down.

Having been at the club since the age of nine, Humphrey’s confidence has grown as she has looked to take the game to her opponents. She has showcased her skills, drive and creativity and looks certain to become a key member of Pedro Martinez Losa’s squad over the coming years.

"I thought she started the season on fire and since she has come back from the World Cup she has really improved,” Casey Stoney told Arsenal.com. "I think she is definitely one to watch in the future because she is skilful, she is a hard worker, she takes players on and most important, her attitude is absolutely outstanding."

Humphrey finished the campaign with four goals, scoring against London Bees, Bristol Academy, Sunderland Ladies and Millwall Lionesses, and lifted silverware at the end of her first full season.

It has been some introduction to first-team football for the 18-year-old, and the future promises even more for this exciting young midfielder.

WHAT THEY SAID…

“Carla Humphrey, especially at the beginning of the season, impressed me a lot and the next objective will be to become consistent in her performance, which is not easy sometimes at the top level. It is a big step but we are looking forward to that one.”
Pedro Martinez Losa

“Carla is the most improved because she always had talent, that is why she’s in the first team. She has just grown as a player, become more confident and come out of herself. She is shooting and taking players on herself and is looking a full player now.”
Emma Byrne

WHAT SHE SAID…

“I’ve been trying to take players on more and more as I know I need to bring that into my game rather than just play combination passes. It brings more dimensions to my game and I’m just hoping to improve where I can. To know that I have got the respect from my fellow players, I can’t wish for anything more than that really - it means a lot.”
Carla Humphrey

BEST PERFORMANCES:

v London Bees, July 29

Humphrey scored an exquisite equaliser as the Gunners came from a goal behind to win 3-1 in the Continental Cup. The midfielder produced a fantastic lob before Natalia’s brace sealed the win.

v Bristol Academy, April 15

Humphrey opened the scoring in an important 2-0 win in the Women’s Super League. The youngster fired past Mary Earps inside the box before Vicky Losada doubled their advantage.

v Watford, July 23

Humphrey impressed on her debut in the 3-0 win against Watford. The midfielder almost capped her first start with a goal, but Leah Williamson, Rachel Yankey and another debutant, Chloe Kelly, wrapped up the win for Arsenal.