Alex Greenwood’s appointment as Manchester City captain feels like a natural, almost inevitable progression.
Few players have what it takes to step into the shoes vacated by Steph Houghton at the end of last season, but Greenwood is undoubtedly the right fit. Houghton was one who set the standards in women’s football both on and off the pitch throughout her career.
Speaking at the WSL media day prior to the 2024/25 season kicking off last week, manager Gareth Taylor outlined just how big of a hole Houghton’s departure left in the squad.
“She carried the team, the club, a hell of a lot and has been rightly regarded as one of the greats not just for us as a club but also for England, for the WSL,” he said.
“I think that when you lose that presence it can be really difficult but I think as always when one person vacates it opens up a space for others. I think I use the term ‘others’ because the amount of space that Steph sat in means more than one person [is needed] to be able to do that.”
In the days leading up to the new season, City confirmed what everyone probably already knew. Greenwood is no stranger to leadership, and she wore the armband for large spells last season when Houghton was on the bench, which makes her the right choice to carry the torch forward.
Greenwood’s intelligence and ability to remain calm under pressure makes her a figure City can rely on in high-stakes moments. Her role in England’s defence – particularly during the World Cup in 2023 – only reinforces her readiness to take on the responsibility.
Speaking in a press conference last week, Taylor outlined why Greenwood was the right choice to wear the armband, but also confirmed she will be part of a wider leadership group that will share the responsibility moving forward.
“Alex is a big driver of the way we do things, on and off the pitch, which is really important, as well as being a top, top player,” the manager said.
“Steph did a lot of work, considering she didn’t play an awful lot last season. She supported Alex really well with a lot of small bits off the pitch where it allowed Alex to be herself and that’s what the leadership group is for, to help her.
“Captaincy, at times, will rotate on matchdays, which is normal. I think that’s good in a sense. It’s more like a shared thing, but Alex is that club captain and she’s that main figure that we…
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