‘I’ve become more of an inside the box player’

Danielle van de Donk signed a new long-term contract with the club on Friday - and she was quick to praise Joe Montemurro’s influence.

The Netherlands international has displayed her usual qualities this season, dictating play and dancing around defenders, but under our head coach’s guidance, she’s enjoyed her most prolific season to date. 

Van de Donk’s scored 12 goals in just 22 starts across all competitions, and has assisted six times. Only Vivianne Miedema (29) has scored more goals for us this season. 

We spoke to Van de Donk after signing her contract - and this is what she said. 

on the key factors behind signing…

First of all it was the team. I really like the team and I think it’s just going to get better. Also our manager Joe is amazing and I learn a lot from him.

on whether we’re building towards something special…

I think that’s just Arsenal. We want to win prizes and I think we’ve got something good going on. We just need to continue it.

on whether she’s become a more complete player under Montemurro…

Yeah, I’ve become more of an inside the box player! I haven’t really scored outside the box but I think I’ve got a bit more complete. There’s a lot of work to do yet, but he’s definitely helping me to get better. 

on what she’s hoping to achieve with the club…

To just win prizes, that’s basically it. I don’t care about anything else. I just want to get better, win prizes and be at the top.