Frida Maanum: How a change of position has unlocked ‘unexpected’ attacking potential in Arsenal and Norway midfielder | Football News

“I know he’s good, but he’s better than I expected,” Jonas Eidevall said after seeing young midfielder Frida Maanum for the first time in Arsenal colors in 2021.

Over 18 months later, the same narrative still applies. The Norway international has continued to defy expectations so far, having been a complete attacking force this season. “It was totally unexpected,” Maanum himself admitted freely.

Goals are not something Maanum is famous for. He is not the commodity on which he built his career in Norway.

But when the midfielder and striker sat down to discuss the trials and tribulations of the current campaign in an exclusive chat at Arsenal’s training base, he did so as Arsenal’s leading goalscorer.

A goal of 10 (in all competitions) makes Maanum the Gunners’ most powerful attacking threat – a fact that continues his humble nature.

Maanum is tied with Vivianne Miedema and Stina Blackstenius in the league tally, but has also gone on to score in the Champions League – scoring a hat-trick against Zurich as well as against eight-time European champions Lyon.

“This is where it all started,” he explained, thinking back to that historic night at the Stade des Lumieres in mid-October. The 5-1 defeat put a stunning dent in Arsenal’s Champions League credentials this season, but more than that, it started the emergence of the talented Maanum – the Gunners’ secret attacking weapon.

“The first game was Lyon away,” he recalled. “Maybe this is the best way to start [something new]. It worked well and I think I’ve grown in that position ever since.

There are few bigger claims – beating the ‘gold standard’ of European football completely in its own backyard. That night, Maanum was picked ahead of Miedema in the number 10 position – a tactical genius by manager Eidevall, despite some initial scepticism.

Indeed the shock decision to drop Miedema was ultimately justified by Maanum’s superiority on the ball, using his newfound confidence to drive defenders into areas of the pitch previously devoid of deep midfielders. The performance sealed a new title role from Norway.

“Jonas knows all the time I like to play when I’m 10, higher up the pitch,” the 23-year-old said. “I did a little bit with the previous team. I could also play as a six, but Jonas wanted to try something new.

“From my side, I want to play in that position. It’s a mix of reasons but I like playing there. You can say I’m 10 now and I really like that role.”

What started as an experimental switch has evolved into a much-needed victory as Arsenal continue to struggle with injuries to Miedema and Beth Mead – who were responsible for 38.5 per cent of the Gunners’ WSL goals last season.

Maanum, however, embraces being a central front. Not only is he relishing the added responsibility, he’s moving forward, even if he looks embarrassed when reminiscing about his personal goals this season. “What’s 10? I think it’s nine or 10,” he said, unassumingly.

“I’ve been working on finishing for a long time. You’ve reached a point where you loosen up a bit and help score more goals. I’ve never been a goalscorer, but I just try to score goals. goals for the team. I always want to contribute to winning.

“When you say [I’m Arsenal’s leading scorer] I can’t really believe it. I didn’t see that coming. I know I have the ability to score goals, but I don’t think I can score 10 goals this season. It was very unexpected.

“We all have to step up [in the absence of Mead and Miedema]. It’s not just me. You get pressure to score in the roles I play. They [Mead and Miedema] scored a lot of goals last season but the responsibility is now shared between everyone. We all have to step up and score goals.

“You have to find a connection with the people around you and I love that responsibility.”

Replication of the likes of Mead and Miedema is not easy. But that was not Maanum’s wish. They are not interested in changing it, only improving it. Arsenal lead the WSL in shots and touches in the opposition box per game – but fall slightly when conversions are taken.

“It takes time,” Maanum said.

“You need time to build a relationship – in the role of 10 you have to build a connection. Especially with the wings and nine, even six. It’s an important role – I like it too.

“When we can control the game, it doesn’t matter if we can’t score goals. We have to know that it will be difficult until the end. success in the game by scoring goals.”

During Sunday’s stalemate at West Ham, Arsenal registered nine shots on target but failed to make a single one. The job is now Maanum, among others, to turn that dominance into valuable points, especially after four years barren of trophies – the desire for silverware has surpassed other needs.

“Personally, I want a six-point lead [of Chelsea and Manchester United] but for the fans and all his followers, it should be fun if it’s tight,” said the modified forward about the WSL title race. You have to be 100 percent, which makes it entertaining. We all want it to be a tight race until the last game.”

Maanum has the support of the manager to provide these items. “We have enough goals,” Eidevall said this week, despite causing a stir before the January transfer window closed by chasing Manchester United striker Alessia Russo. “We always have to believe. When you stop believing you can’t win,” he said.

Arsenal will test their firepower against Manchester City for the second time in three days on Saturday. live on Sky Sports, Having also won the Conti Cup midweek – open practice.

Blackstenius came off the bench to score the extra-time winner as Arsenal dumped champions City out of the competition after 90 goalless minutes on Wednesday. “To be successful in the game and score a goal is a big confidence boost,” Maanum said before the meeting.

Arsenal’s advantage? Maybe it’s psychological. He certainly edged the tactical tussle there but lost the WSL influential points over the Mancunians last weekend – with both sides now locked on 26, four shy of leaders Chelsea.

Saturday’s lunchtime meeting has the potential to define the season – for both sides. The pressure of life. “It’s going to be a fun game to watch, that’s for sure.” Maanum concluded.

Less relaxing to play, you would suspect.

Watch Man City vs Arsenal live on Sky Sports Football on Saturday from noon, kick-off 12.30pm.