Chelsea Women boss Sonia Bompastor believes Alyssa Thompson could possess a particularly important weapon against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Blues welcome their London rivals to Stamford Bridge at 4.30pm, looking to continue an unbeaten start to the Women’s Super League season.
Thompson has already established herself as a regular attacking option this term and started Chelsea’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Manchester United.
Bompastor has now identified why the American could be especially dangerous against Arsenal.
Alyssa Thompson can attack Arsenal man-marking
Speaking in her pre-Arsenal press conference, Bompastor highlighted Thompson’s ability to beat defenders individually when facing teams who use aggressive man-marking.
The Chelsea boss said Thompson possesses the technical quality and speed to consistently escape opponents whether receiving to feet or attacking space behind the defence.
She added that the 21-year-old can “make a lot of difference on the pitch” in major fixtures.
That ability has already been evident this season.
Thompson repeatedly caused Birmingham City problems with her pace and was directly involved in Lexi Potter’s opener, while she also created an early opportunity for Wieke Kaptein during Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Austria Wien.
Arsenal’s approach could therefore provide Thompson with opportunities to isolate defenders rather than constantly attack a packed low block.
Bompastor expects Sunday’s contest to be decided by fine margins.
Thompson’s ability to win an individual duel could provide one of them.
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