Olivia Smith has become a trailblazer, becoming Canada’s youngest-ever international debutant. After her record-breaking £1 million transfer this summer, she is finding her form at Arsenal. At just 21 years old, she showcased her talent and maturity during her debut match against London City Lionesses, where she scored in a stunning performance that drew widespread acclaim.
Even before her move Smith was making headlines, but in person she’s incredibly humble even with the hype surrounding her. “I want to be the best, so I have to work the hardest,” she says, spelling out her determination to forgo celebrity for accolades. Her attitude has clearly struck a chord with her colleagues. This includes Renee Slegers, who is getting an up-close look at Smith’s special talents on the pitch.
Arsenal supporters witnessed Smith’s impact when the dynamo traded places with RHS maiden Chloe Kelly just 30 minutes in. This audacious gesture dramatically turned the tide toward Arsenal’s equalizer. Her versatility, as both a ball-carrier and goal-scorer, creates more differentiation between her and the club’s other attacking options.
On the pitch, Smith showed off her abilities without hesitation. She consistently took on defenders and displayed an incredible half-turn technique. Her performance was much more than personal success, as she showed the same dedication to a collective effort as her teammates while competing. “I love to adapt, play in different positions, move across the pitch – it’s cool because all the girls play that way, so getting to mesh with them is great,” she explained.
The buzz surrounding Smith’s debut was electric, as seen by the more than 9,000 fans who packed the venue to see Smith’s first match. Her debut feature—on the state of abortion access, nationwide—is already receiving rave reviews. Those lucky enough to have seen it in person will always look back on that moment with wonder. She became the first player since Jill Roord in September 2019 to score on her WSL debut for Arsenal.
As you can see, Smith has a game-changing grasp on the game. She has complemented the quality of her teammates, such as Kyra Cooney-Cross, and noted playing alongside the intelligence of Kim Little. These observations speak to her maturity and desire to learn from those around her.
Smith articulates a humble yet ambitious goal: “learning and growing.” Her prioritization of development over personal glory speaks volumes to her character and commitment.
Smith isn’t rattled. “I don’t look at the price tag, that’s between the clubs,” she stated, reinforcing her priority on performance over financial considerations.
Leave a Reply