By Lloyd Webb
They say home is where the heart is, and that is certainly the case for Danielle Van de Donk.
The exciting midfielder joined Arsenal Ladies from Swedish side Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC in November after impressing at the 2015 World Cup, where she starred alongside Sari Van Veenendaal and Dominique Janssen.
Van de Donk says it has taken no time at all to grow accustomed to life in north London ahead of Monday’s Women’s Super League clash against Manchester City.
"Manchester City are at a high level so I think it is going to be good for us. We just need to play our own game a little bit more"
“I’m settling in very well in England, it’s amazing,” she told Arsenal.com. “It is more physical here, and I thought Sweden was already physical! But that’s fine.
"I’m more of a smart player, but I’m also physical. I have to fit in a little more, but I have given myself plenty of time. I really like it here - so far, so good. The team are like a family, they make it feel like home.
"The staff here make me feel at home, too. We have a little house with four people which is cosy and nice. It’s not too busy either, so everything is good. The other Dutch girls have helped me settle in.
"It is the small things they help me with. It is easier when they are around and it is nice to have them here. Sometimes it is very good for me because I get tired talking English all the time!”
Arsenal travel to the Manchester Regional Arena on Monday and Van de Donk says the Gunners know they will face a difficult test.
“It is one of the most important games for us,” she said. “It will be a good game, there is a lot of pressure on us but it’s fine.
“Manchester City are at a high level so I think it is going to be good for us. We just need to play our own game a little bit more.”
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