Kelly Smith says everyone at Arsenal Ladies is delighted to have Leah Williamson at the club.
The 18-year-old was named PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year on Sunday and has been a standout performer in Pedro Martinez Losa’s side since making her first-team debut last season.
Williamson has also impressed for the national team and secured England’s place in the Under-19 European Championship by scoring a retaken penalty five days after it had initially been awarded.
"Everyone at the club is really proud of Leah and we’re delighted that we’ve got her here"
Kelly Smith
“She’s got a massive amount of mental strength for such a young player,” Smith told Arsenal.com. “To do what she did for England Under-19s against Norway was a great experience for her.
“That will hold her in good stead for when she’s a senior international. She will be stepping up for penalties on the England scene, I have no doubt about that.
“Everyone at the club is really proud of her and we’re delighted that we’ve got her here.
“The experienced players need the younger players fighting for their spots because no place is guaranteed. We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience in our team.
“Myself, Emma Byrne and Alex Scott are leading the way and then we have got Leah, Carla Humphrey and Jade Bailey who are the future of the club, so it’s an exciting time for Arsenal Ladies.”
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