By Kieran Yap 23/12/24
Above: Holly McNamara. Photo: Melbourne City
Holly McNamara is undoubtedly one of Australia’s brightest talents and a non-goal against Adelaide United allowed her to show another level to her game.
When Bryleeh Henry played Holly McNamara through in on goal, it felt obvious what would happen next. The 21 year old could not be caught, she could not be stopped. Last week she hit the post, but this week… the offside flag went up.
By the time the play had stopped, McNamara was clear of her Adelaide opponent, and the shot was saved by Claudia Jenkins in any case, but this moment just as much as what followed added more to the mounting pile of evidence that she is something special.
When the next chance came, McNamara had learned and adjusted her own game just enough to make all the difference. Knowing she had the acceleration to easily outpace her opponent, she stayed visibly onside.
When the ball was on its way to Henry, Holly Mac made her move armed with what she had just learned.
The two Matildas linked up again, this time with a dinked ball over the top by Henry into space. McNamara got goal side of the defender and this time, backed her strength and positioning to hold her off.
The finish was class, but the movement, the timing of the run and where it started (behind the defender instead of on her shoulder) made certain that the flag would stay down, but the chance would still be just as good.
Does McNamara think these things through, or is it instinctive? Either possibility is just as exciting.
That she still possesses the same physical attributes and confidence despite so many knee rehabs is frankly startling. Similarly to Mary Fowler, Holly McNamara seems to be aware of exactly how much time and space she has, before anybody else. Her technique in front of goal is further enhanced by this special awareness, allowing for stylish and effective finishes.
What looks risky to us (like staying behind the centre back or lifting the ball just over an onrushing goalkeeper while aiming for the far corner of the net) is simply the best option for her just as chipping a German goalkeeper from distance is the best option for Kyra Cooney-Cross. When you have the technique, it’s not a risk.
What also makes McNamara so consistently dangerous is her trust in her teammates. An enjoyable journey through her highlight packages show that she can do it herself but she knows she doesn’t have to.
Her first A-League Women goal and her last before her most recent injuries were both very different solo efforts. However, she knew before the pass even got to Henry, that the next one would be for her.
She took off toward goal instead of demanding it to feet. Just as in the earlier play, that pass was coming, Henry has that quality and McNamara was able to make the most of it.
It is genuinely hard avoid getting too excited about this sparkling footballer. Even though to some degree she represents one of the best attacking hopes of the future, nothing is certain.
But McNamara is definitely something special, an intelligent, athletic, inventive and team orientated striker.
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