Vivianne Miedema opens up on early struggles settling in at Manchester City | OneFootball

Speaking to the Manchester City website this week, Vivianne Miedema opened up on her difficult start to life in Manchester after leaving Arsenal.

Miedema left Arsenal for Manchester in 2024 and has quickly become a fan favourite up north.

Vivianne Miedema opens up on tough start in Manchester

When she left Arsenal, Vivianne Miedema was highly regarded as one of the best forwards in the world.

But despite being a veteran in the league, the Dutch striker still struggled with a change of environment.

Miedema has opened up on her struggles to start life in Manchester with injury setbacks casting her career into doubt.

“In the beginning in Manchester, I struggled quite a bit because I got injured straight away and I thought ‘I’m not sure if I can do this and still want to do this at my age’.

“This season, I think everyone can see I feel like a completely different person and player and I have my space here now which is really nice. I’m smiling these days, it’s worrying!”

The difference this year is clear to see, as Miedema has played a key role in the City team that sits top of the table heading towards the winter break.

At 29-years-old the City star is still showing her class on the biggest stage and she already has four goal contributions in nine league starts.

Miedema’s relationship with Khadija Shaw

Miedema was once the WSL all-time top scorer, but as she has got older she has taken up more of a provider role.

That comes as no surprise with City, as their attack is led by two-time WSL golden boot winner Khadija Shaw.

“In my head, I’m not an out and out No.9. I leave games happier when I’m involved a lot rather than scoring a couple of goals,” Miedema said.

“As I’ve got older in my career and more experienced, I don’t think I’m as stuck on just having to score goals. I can contribute so much more to the game.

“I need to adapt my game to what others need around me and I’m loving playing that role right now.”

‘Bunny’ Shaw is currently leading the golden boot race on six goals as she looks to win a historic third consecutive title.

With City top of the league however, Shaw and Miedema would both surely sacrifice individual awards in favour of ending Chelsea’s reign as WSL champions.