I like proving the doubters wrong, says England's Blindkilde Brown

Laura Blindkilde Brown has played 1266 minutes in the WSL this season [Getty Images]

England midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown says she "likes proving people wrong" after becoming a regular starter at Manchester City this season.

The 22-year-old revealed there were "doubts" by City boss Andree Jeglertz at the start of the campaign and the club had contemplated sending her out on loan.

However, injuries in midfield meant Blindkilde Brown had an opportunity - and she took it, starting 16 of their 19 Women's Super League matches this season.

Her impressive performances have helped City build a nine-point lead at the top of the WSL table and they are closing in on a first league title in 10 years.

"Maybe at the start of the season [Jeglertz] had his doubts. I hadn't been a regular in a top club before and I'm still a young player," said Blindkilde Brown.

"He definitely had his doubts. I think I managed to prove to him that I can play. The belief that he's shown in me has been really helpful. He's had faith.

"I like proving people wrong anyway. When it's me and Yui [Hasegawa], we're two very small midfielders. Maybe people thought that we'd get out-muscled.

"I think we've proven that we like to play football so that's ultimately outweighed anything else. I've shown that I can play in the City team, and we're top of the league at the moment."

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'I definitely feel more confident'

Blindkilde Brown joined City for £200,000 from Aston Villa in 2024 where she made 58 appearances in the WSL as a teenager.

The midfielder has gone on to make four appearances for England but faces stiff competition in Sarina Wiegman's squad.

But with injuries this month, can she force her way into Wiegman's plans for Tuesday's Women's World Cup qualifier against Spain at Wembley?

"There's world class players here and the midfield is really strong so I knew I'd have to be patient," said Blindkilde Brown.

"I just take whatever comes really. Being around a lot of the City girls who are also here is really helpful as well. This makes me feel very comfortable.

"The standard at City is pretty similar to the standard here. Ultimately, how I play at City is why I get picked for being here.

"I definitely feel more confident. When I first got called up I was probably really nervous in training, and it was not a familiar situation for me to be in."

Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Blindkilde Brown has shown this season she can play a more defensive role in Jeglertz's City team.

She believes that has helped her progress as a player and can give her more opportunity on the international stage.

"I went to City because I knew I was going to improve so much as a player. Those first few years and months were about development," she added.

"I feel like I've really developed as a player since being there. Being given the opportunity this year to have more game time has been really nice.

"I'd say a big thing for me is my out-of-possession work, especially changing roles in the midfield. I knew I had to develop that part of my game a little bit more."

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