An incredible 14 City players will be aiming for World Cup glory this summer, with our City at the World Cup series helping you learn more about each of them ahead of the tournament.
This time, it’s Kerstin Casparij’s turn to go under the spotlight.
The 22-year-old is ready to excel for her national team this summer. Since her debut in 2021, coming on for Danielle Van De Donk in a 8-0 win against Cyprus, the defender has become a key figure for the Netherlands.
Kerstin will proudly wear the number 18 shirt for The Oranje and, following an outstanding debut season with City, she’s ready to meet the challenge of her first World Cup head on.
However, she’s also feeling relaxed thanks to the preparation and support City offered her throughout the season.
Casparij told mancity.com ahead of the tournament: “I’ve got to play so many big games, games with big crowds too when the pressure is there.
“I’ve acclimatised to that which is important to me. I think I’ll go into the World Cup quite relaxed because of it.”
Find out more about the Dutch international below…
City career so far
Competitive Debut: 18 August 2022
Appearances: 25
Player profile
Casparij joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022 on a three-year contract.
Despite still being just 22, she’d already tasted success in Holland prior to joining City, winning two consecutive Eredivisie titles with FC Twente in 2020/21 and 2021/22, as well as the Eredivise Cup in the latter of those seasons.
Joining a City team packed with experienced operators, the defender has great figures to learn from as she looks to continue expanding her footballing ability.
A full-back who likes to get forward and support the attack, Casparij has already contributed 5 assists in 25 appearances in all competitions.
However, she is also incredibly effective in defensive situations, and played an important role in City’s 14-match unbeaten run in the WSL last season.
Previous world cup performances
This will be Casparij’s first World Cup experience, having made her senior debut in 2021 at the age of 21.
Prior to that, she represented Netherlands on the international stage from Under-15s all the way through to the Under-23s before her World Cup selection.
She’s going to be joined by her new City team-mate Jill Roord in Andries Jonkers’ team.
The countdown for the tournament starts now and, should the Dutch be able to go one step further than in 2019 when they reached the final, Casparij is sure to play an important role.
