Ellie Roebuck says the experience of representing Team GB at the Olympics has made her a ‘better player.’

Aged just 21, the City and England goalkeeper made her debut at the Games for Team GB, playing every minute of all four matches, as Hege Riise’s side made the quarter-finals.

Although a calf injury has prevented her from featuring for City yet this season, the Sheffield-born shot-stopper asserts she has already noticed an improvement in her game with a new understanding of what she needs to do to perform at her best.

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“I feel so refreshed, so driven – even more driven to be successful this year,” she said.

“100%, I absolutely feel I’m a better player. I learned a lot about myself – how to manage myself with the short turnaround in games, managing my load, being able to perform in any game across a short space of time.

“It was a huge learning curve. Being a part something where every player is incredible, you have to be at that level. It was really nice to be part of.

“I’ve not necessarily changed my game – more the preparation: learning more about how my body works.

“I live a million miles an hour – I’ve always been that way. I want to train, graft, sweat, work hard… but that’s not always the way to perform at your best. That’s something I’ve definitely learned.

“It’s an exciting year. I’ve gone away and learned a lot about myself. Hopefully, I can bring that here to continue to boost my performances.”

With Karima Benameur Taieb having impressed between the sticks and Karen Bardsley continuing her recovery from injury, Roebuck may face her sternest test yet to keep her place this year – but it’s a challenge she feels she’s ready for.

“It is potentially my hardest year,” Roebuck said. “I try to focus on myself and coming back from the Olympics, I learned a lot and developed a lot. I want to showcase that and bring that forward.

“I’ve had a good couple of seasons now where I’ve proven myself on the big stage and shown I can perform.

“That’s me: tunnel vision to continue my trajectory and keep progressing upwards.

“Whatever happens, happens but I believe whoever is best deserves to play and that can only benefit the team.”

Hear more from Ellie in our October edition of the City Magazine – available now!