Yesterday’s announcement revealed that Katy Watson, one of our academy products, has put pen to paper on a new contract with Sunderland AFC.
Under this contract, Watson will complete her education by next summer before transitioning into a full-time professional contract with Sunderland. This move is a clear signal of the club’s commitment to nurturing this promising young talent and providing her with a professional contract. Watson has demonstrated immense potential every time she’s been on the field, and this decision reflects the club’s belief in her future.
Over the past two seasons, Watson’s rapid and remarkable ascent has been a joy to witness. Initially part of the Sunderland Regional Talent Centre setup, she was called up to the women’s senior team by Melanie Reay when she was just 16. Since then, she has developed significantly through her competitive football experience, accumulating an impressive 39 appearances in the red and white jersey.
Beyond showcasing her finesse, technical skills, and passion, Watson has also made a mark on the international stage with call-ups to the England U19 team. In fact, just this Tuesday, she played a crucial role in helping England secure a 2-0 victory over Greece, scoring a goal in the 90+8 minute.
🖋️ We are pleased to announce that Katy Watson has signed a new contract with the Club!
Congratulations, Katy! 👏#SAFCWomen
— Sunderland AFC Women (@SAFCWomen) October 25, 2023
While Watson is a young and raw talent, she has already displayed moments of brilliance, intelligence, and confidence, indicating a promising trajectory of improvement and refinement in her skills and abilities. Her agility stands out, as she effortlessly changes direction and speed, enabling her to thrive in tight spaces. She has a keen understanding of positioning her body over the ball and adjusting angles subtly, allowing her to outmaneuver her opponents effectively.
Watson’s versatility extends beyond the role of a winger or forward. She’s not hesitant to drop deep or move into the half-spaces, making good use of her physical attributes and tenacity to engage with opponents and involve her teammates in the game actively.
Watching Watson during a match, it’s impossible to overlook her constant movement and her relentless pursuit of pressing and closing down opposing players. She’s quick, nimble, and direct, with a knack for finding herself in scoring positions.
Her ability to link up with her teammates is evident in her well-weighted first-time passes from various positions on the field. With the added dimension of using the outside of her boot and her weaker foot, her combinations have become more versatile.
Watson’s ability to take on opponents one-on-one and beat them remains a crucial aspect of her attacking prowess. This is particularly effective when launching attacks against disorganized defenses during transitions, especially when combined with the off-ball movement of her teammates.
Even in situations where her team retains possession and control, Watson can provide a spark by removing one or two opposing players from the equation with her exceptional technique.
One of her standout qualities is her capacity to find pockets of space in challenging environments. Watson frequently drifts into central areas from a wide right position, while an attacking full-back holds the flank. This skill, combined with her tendency to execute crisp one-two passes, makes her a formidable playmaker in the attacking third.
She’s comfortable receiving the ball in space, with her initial touch consistently directed toward the opposing goal, even when under pressure. Watson’s physical attributes, including her frame and low center of gravity, enable her to receive the ball, withstand defender challenges, and swiftly attack space behind her marker. Her agility and flexibility make her a dangerous player in one-on-one situations.
Despite her youth, Watson’s potential at the club is immense, and with more opportunities with the senior team and exposure to professional football, her growth and development are sure to continue.
Leave a Reply