Nelly Las, a 17-year-old football prodigy, is making waves as a full-back for England's U17 and U19 teams. Recently, she made her senior debut for Leicester City Women in October, marking the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career. Las showcased her talents at the U17 World Cup in November, where she scored one goal and set up two others in a crucial match against Mexico.
Las has been turning heads with her impressive performances in an advanced role at Leicester City Women, bringing unparalleled energy and enthusiasm to the pitch. Her coach, Amandine Miquel, praises her for the appetite she brings to her work, noting that even seasoned players could learn from her dedication.
"I think I am hardworking and technically good in one-on-one situations, defending and attacking, and I like a challenge," Las stated confidently.
Training with Leicester's first team, Las has faced formidable opponents such as Manchester City and Chelsea. Her favorite moment so far was scoring a late consolation goal against Manchester City, her first senior goal. This achievement not only marked a milestone but also filled her with immense pride.
"That was just an unbelievable feeling when it went in," she remarked, reflecting on her memorable goal.
Las' growth as a player has been supported by individual coaching sessions with Scott Chickelday, who has also worked with England striker Ollie Watkins. These sessions have focused on honing her left foot and improving her finishing skills.
"I definitely think doing the extras helps me because it also makes me more confident to take on those shots in that particular moment or maybe do something different. I have scored two goals now for the first team so hopefully it is working," she explained.
Las attributes her fearlessness on the field to her experiences playing against older and taller competitors from a young age. Initially joining Leicester City Women's girls' team as a pre-teen, she learned early on not to be intimidated by physical differences.
"I definitely think it has helped to not be scared to put in a tackle or be scared of people older than you or taller than you because I have always been quite small compared to the others. But I wasn't scared. Even when we played against boys, I was used to it," Las recalled.
Her versatility on the field has been another asset, allowing her to adapt seamlessly to different positions when needed.
"It is good to be versatile and get that knowledge of different positions," she noted.
Las' ambitions remain high as she aims for further achievements with Leicester City and on the international stage.
"I want to score my first WSL goal, get more starts for Leicester and hopefully show myself on the international stage," she said with determination.
In addition to her professional aspirations, Las cherishes personal moments of triumph. Her mother's pride when she scored in the U17 World Cup stands out as one of her most treasured memories.
"My mum was out there and she was so proud," Las shared with emotion. "She was just screaming. She was so happy. I think it is the best experience I have had ever. I would go back right now if I could. It was amazing. We came fourth but it was unbelievable."
Las' journey has been marked by significant milestones, each bringing her closer to her goals.
"It feels like it all just came all of a sudden," she reflected on her rapid rise in the sport.
As she continues to develop her skills and make an impact on the field, Las remains committed to surpassing expectations and setting new benchmarks for herself.
"I want to do everything I can to get that one step better than whoever my opponents are or someone who wants to play my position. If anyone is better than me then I am just going to keep working hard and driving until I beat them or I am better than them," Las asserted.
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