By Genevieve Henry (6/8/23)
Above: Kyra Cooney Cross in training for Australia. Image: Football Australia
The Matildas and Hammarby midfielder is not short of suitors, but what could she add to a new club, and which would be the best fit?
Kyra Cooney-Cross has stunned for Australia at the world cup so far. She has been showing off skills and maturity far beyond her age. According to ATA Football, she is said to be the target of many major clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Olympique Lyonnais, and Juventus. While all of these are top clubs, consider the role she would have within each of them.
Chelsea
It’s well known that Chelsea somewhat hoard talent. They claim many of the world’s best young players. While this could be an ideal competitive environment for Cooney-Cross, the amount of game time she would have may be limited.
Chelsea have a whopping 32-player squad, far larger than any of her other options. Of course, the advantage to this is that she would be surrounded by world-class talent and learning from players such as Catarina Macario, Fran Kirby, and compatriot Sam Kerr, but the only way to grow as a player is to actually play.
Her chances of going on loan would also be higher, allowing her playing time but perhaps limiting access to good facilities. She would have to work extra hard to get proper minutes at Chelsea, but the experience alone would be spectacular for her growth.
Arsenal
Arsenal, like Chelsea, have a plethora of magical midfielders, but with their current injury crisis, she would be more likely to get playing time. She would also have important connections with Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord, which could greatly improve the already fantastic Matildas’ left flank.
Cooney-Cross is more likely to get subbed on in important games here and perhaps get Champions League experience. She is a hard-working player that could eventually be a backup to some of Arsenal’s veterans, such as Kim Little and Lia Wälti.
She is fantastic at the quick, crafty passing style that Arsenal excel at. With her versatility and skill, she could grow to be an important piece for Arsenal.
Manchester United
Manchester United could certainly use another midfielder, and Cooney-Cross could fit right in. Although she would have to prove herself as a sub, she could earn decent minutes. She could form an excellent partnership with Ella Toone, with Toone being able to push forward and use her attacking ball control while Cooney-Cross could start the attack and advance the ball with her speed and accuracy, as she excels at winning the ball back in her own half and pushing up the field.
She may get more game time here, and as they close the gap on the top European teams, she would be trusted with important games, or get left in the fray, as many top talents do. Although there would be fewer big names and players to learn from and compete with, this could be an ideal stepping stone on her journey.
Olympique Lyonnais
The French powerhouse are not lacking in numbers in the middle of the park, but under the tutelage of superstars such as Daniëlle Van De Donk and Dzsenifer Maroszán, Cooney-Cross could become simply outstanding.
Lyon are renowned for their top-notch facilities and management, so she would be in the best of hands. Learning and competing for spots alongside fellow talent Melchie Dumornay could also add layers to her game.
Matildas teammate Ellie Carpenter could help acclimate her to the French style as well as working on improving the future of the Matildas together. It would be hard to get minutes at Lyon, but the club has a history of winning and developing some of the world’s best young players.
Juventus
Juventus are a team going through a rough patch, but Cooney-Cross could be just the thing to rejuvenate them. Her tireless engine could not only help them overcome their defensive failings, but improve their attack.
She is more likely to get game time here, due to the amount of competitions they participate in, as well as number of midfielders. She could play an important role in regaining their former glory. This team competes with the best in the world, so not only would she get to train with great players, but she could go head-to-head with the most challenging players in a competitive environment. This team has a lot of work to do, but Cooney-Cross could help them along the way.
Kyra Cooney-Cross is a fantastic, versatile, and adaptable player. Wherever she goes she will shine.
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