Why Alex Greenwood was always destined to lead Man City

Alex Greenwood’s appointment as Manchester City captain feels like a natural, almost inevitable progression.

Few players have what it takes to step into the shoes vacated by Steph Houghton at the end of last season, but Greenwood is undoubtedly the right fit. Houghton was one who set the standards in women’s football both on and off the pitch throughout her career.

Speaking at the WSL media day prior to the 2024/25 season kicking off last week, manager Gareth Taylor outlined just how big of a hole Houghton’s departure left in the squad.

“She carried the team, the club, a hell of a lot and has been rightly regarded as one of the greats not just for us as a club but also for England, for the WSL,” he said.

“I think that when you lose that presence it can be really difficult but I think as always when one person vacates it opens up a space for others. I think I use the term 'others' because the amount of space that Steph sat in means more than one person [is needed] to be able to do that.”

In the days leading up to the new season, City confirmed what everyone probably already knew. Greenwood is no stranger to leadership, and she wore the armband for large spells last season when Houghton was on the bench, which makes her the right choice to carry the torch forward.

Greenwood’s intelligence and ability to remain calm under pressure makes her a figure City can rely on in high-stakes moments. Her role in England’s defence – particularly during the World Cup in 2023 – only reinforces her readiness to take on the responsibility.

Speaking in a press conference last week, Taylor outlined why Greenwood was the right choice to wear the armband, but also confirmed she will be part of a wider leadership group that will share the responsibility moving forward.

“Alex is a big driver of the way we do things, on and off the pitch, which is really important, as well as being a top, top player,” the manager said.

“Steph did a lot of work, considering she didn't play an awful lot last season. She supported Alex really well with a lot of small bits off the pitch where it allowed Alex to be herself and that's what the leadership group is for, to help her.

“Captaincy, at times, will rotate on matchdays, which is normal. I think that's good in a sense. It's more like a shared thing, but Alex is that club captain and she's that main figure that we really want to embody everything that we do at City.”

Greenwood joined City from Olympique Lyonnais back in 2020, having represented the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Notts County and Everton throughout her career. Success has followed the Liverpool-born defender everywhere she's been.

She helped United win the Championship and secure promotion to the WSL in 2019, and during her one season in France with Lyon, she won both a league title and Champions League trophy. Since joining City four years ago, she has always been part of the leadership group, and played a key role as they won the FA Cup in 2020 and League Cup in 2022.

Greenwood’s task as City captain will be to guide them into the group stage of the Champions League, while also competing for domestic honours. City came agonisingly close to clinching the WSL title ahead of Chelsea last season, and it will take another monumental effort to push their rivals for the second season running.

“It’s probably more important [the off-pitch leadership role],” Greenwood told mancity.com. “We’re human beings before we’re footballers at the end of the day. 

“Everyone has a life away from the game and I respect that. If you can be honest with people and understand they’re also human, it plays a massive role in getting the best out of the players on the pitch. For me, that’s so important and something I’ve learned in my career. 

“Not every day is 100% but bring every percentage of what you’ve got to that day. That’s all we ask of each other and if we can get the best out of each other every single day then I believe this team will be really successful.”

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