“Could Victoria Pelova be the Arsenal Midfielder to Fill Kim Little’s Shoes?”
Arsenal’s manager, Jonas Eidevall, couldn’t hide his excitement when Dutch midfielder Victoria Pelova joined the club from Ajax during the January transfer window. He confidently declared, “I think our supporters are going to love watching her in an Arsenal shirt.” Fast forward to Sunday’s match against Leicester, and it seems Eidevall’s optimism was well-founded.
Pelova, at 24 years old, has been tantalizing Arsenal fans with her skills since her arrival, but it was her recent performance against Leicester that truly made a statement. In her first full 90 minutes of the season, she delivered two assists and a goal, earning herself the player of the match title. What’s even more impressive is that she stepped into the shoes of Arsenal’s stalwart captain, Kim Little, who was sidelined due to injury.
Kim Little, with nearly 300 appearances for the Gunners and over 160 goals, is a legendary figure in the Women’s Super League (WSL). She has won 14 trophies with Arsenal, including three FA Cups and five league titles. Most notably, she lifted the 2022-23 Continental Cup, demonstrating her ability to make game-defining contributions.
However, Pelova’s performance against Leicester suggests that she might just be the natural heir to Kim Little’s throne. Her versatility allows her to play in multiple positions, even featuring as a wing-back for the Netherlands during international breaks. Against Leicester, she stepped into a deeper midfield role and showcased her growth and adaptability.
Pelova did have an early hiccup when she missed a golden opportunity to score, but she quickly learned from her mistake. In the second half, she displayed maturity, intelligence, and composure on the ball, helping Arsenal stage a remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit.
Her hunger for goals was evident when she sprinted from deep in her own half to finish a brilliant Gunners’ counter-attack with a goal. Additionally, Pelova’s assists highlighted her strength, balance, and vision, reminiscent of Kim Little at her best.
Tottenham striker Bethany England, speaking to Sky Sports, acknowledged Pelova’s impact, saying, “She [Pelova] was the playmaker in that midfield, she ran everything through and she’s a big reason as to why Arsenal won that game.”
Comparing the statistics between Kim Little and Victoria Pelova in the 2023/24 WSL season, Pelova has already notched one goal and three assists, leading in assists among all players. Little, on the other hand, has yet to score or assist this season but outperforms Pelova in defensive metrics, winning more duels and aerial duels.
However, what sets Pelova apart is her ability to step up when it matters most. In a late comeback win over Aston Villa, she displayed her tenacity by dispossessing an opponent to initiate an attack, leading to an important goal.
Pelova herself acknowledged the influence of Kim Little, stating, “Kim, for example, is so talented technically, but she’s also such a physical player; I love her playing style.” Learning from Little, who is a trophy-winning leader with the most appearances for Arsenal, can only benefit Pelova as she continues to develop.
With Pelova’s rising star and the potential to fill Kim Little’s shoes, Arsenal fans have every reason to be excited about the future. The Dutch midfielder’s combination of skill, versatility, and determination could make her the next big sensation in the WSL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Victoria Pelova’s Arsenal Rise
Who is Victoria Pelova?
Victoria Pelova is a Dutch midfielder who joined Arsenal from Ajax in the January transfer window.
How has Victoria Pelova been performing at Arsenal?
Pelova has been impressing Arsenal fans with her skills and versatility. In a recent match against Leicester, she delivered two assists and a goal in her first full 90 minutes of the season.
What role did she play in the absence of Kim Little?
In the absence of Kim Little, Pelova stepped into a deeper midfield position against Leicester. She showcased her growth and adaptability, demonstrating that she has the potential to follow in Kim Little’s footsteps.
How does her performance compare to Kim Little’s statistics?
While Pelova has already scored one goal and provided three assists in the 2023/24 WSL season, Kim Little has yet to score or assist. However, Little outperforms Pelova in defensive metrics, winning more duels and aerial duels.
What makes Victoria Pelova stand out?
Pelova’s ability to step up in crucial moments, like in the comeback win against Aston Villa, sets her apart. She also has the versatility to play in multiple positions and a hunger for goals.
Why is Kim Little an important figure for Victoria Pelova’s development?
Kim Little, with her technical prowess and physical playing style, is a role model for Pelova. Learning from Little’s experience and leadership can greatly benefit Pelova’s development at Arsenal.
More about Victoria Pelova’s Arsenal Rise
- Victoria Pelova’s profile on Arsenal’s official website
- Kim Little’s profile on Arsenal’s official website
- Women’s Super League (WSL) official website
- Arsenal Women’s Team
- Tottenham striker Bethany England’s interview on Sky Sports
- Aston Villa Women’s Team
6 comments
Kim Little’s been a legend, no doubt. But if Pelova’s bringin’ new game, Arsenal’s future looks bright!
Wait, where’s the music angle in this? Pelova rockin’ the field with some musical finesse? Can’t wait to see her groove on the pitch!
Pelova’s got that gadget-like versatility. Playing all over the field, like a tech-savvy wizard! Exciting stuff.
wow, this Pelova gal is somethin’ else! Scored a goal, 2 assists, and ain’t afraid to get dirty. Kim Little better watch out!
Hey, we talkin’ movies here? What’s Pelova got to do with cinema? But hey, if she’s as good as they say, maybe she’s the star of the show!
Cool to see Pelova’s tech skills in midfield. She’s adaptin’ fast, and those stats ain’t no joke.