When it comes to set-pieces and crossing, few players are better than Beth Mead.
The England international delivered yet another one of her trademark set-piece deliveries in our 4-0 win over Charlton on Sunday, assisting Jennifer Beattie’s opener, before teeing up Danielle van de Donk and scoring a stunner herself.
“One of my favourite players to watch growing up was David Beckham,” said Mead, after taking her assist tally up to six for the season.
“I loved the way he’d deliver the ball and the fact that it would always ask questions of their defence. Kevin De Bruyne is another player who’s got a similar technique for crossing the ball.
“Since I’ve been at Arsenal I’ve been able to develop this side of my game because I’m being asked to play in a wider role, so I have to hunt for assists a little more than goals. My technique has become a lot better over the past year and now every time I deliver the ball, I’m wanting it to hit someone and trouble their defence.
“When I’m striking the ball I want to be making most of the contact with the inside of my boot. You don’t quite lace it, but you’ve got to add some whip on it too. You have to strike it with the inside of your boot, but at the same time you’ve got to get a lot of power behind it to get the right whip. I guess it’s doing alright for me at the moment!”
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