After ending last season in fifth place, Tottenham are aiming to reach the WSL’s top three and secure qualification for the Women’s Champions League.
Alongside Hanson, the club have recruited West Ham leading scorer Shekiera Martinez, promising French defender Alice Sombath from Lyon and inventive midfielder Victoria Pelova from north London rivals Arsenal this summer.
Those additions will create intense competition for starting places, a challenge Hanson is eager to embrace.
“I feel settled in the WSL now, but I still would not describe myself as one of its leading players. I judge my own performances very harshly,” she said.
“It will be difficult, and I am taking nothing for granted. My priority is to keep improving because there are still many areas where I can progress. Martin understands that too.
“I was already aware of the quality within this squad, and I cannot wait to learn from these players. At the same time, I want to support my team-mates, just as I have done at every club.
“I may not be the most naturally gifted player, but I bring plenty of determination and desire. I would do absolutely everything for my team, and I hope they have already seen that.”
Hanson clearly demonstrated her ability last season, scoring 43% of Villa’s goals and recording the highest shot-on-target rate, at 50%, among the league’s five leading scorers.
Besides providing most of Villa’s goals, Hanson created 16 opportunities, a total exceeded by only two of her team-mates, while also registering the most touches inside the opposing penalty area.
Her commitment without the ball was equally apparent, with Hanson ranking among the strongest players in her role across several defensive measures, including tackles and interceptions.
The Scotland international also believes she has grown away from football and holds a sports coaching degree that she hopes to use effectively.
Explaining how her game has evolved, Hanson said: “I understand what is required at various stages of a match, and I know how to help other players remain composed.
“When I previously played under Martin, I was younger and would have found those situations harder to manage. Since then, I have become much more mature.”
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
