The 22 year-old’s continued progress has made her an integral part of Gareth Taylor’s side as well as a key member of England’s Lionesses.
Already capped 21 times by her country, the irrepressible Barrow-born midfielder is one of the FA WSL rising stars, but she says commitment and hard work is all she is focusing on with an exciting 12 months ahead.
“I just want to do a job and I want to put everything that I’ve got on the plate for my team, and I want to win,” said Stanway who is one of 10 City players selected for Team GB’s Olympic squad,
“I’m not here to mess around and I’m not here to just go through the basics. I want to win; I want to win trophies. I want to win competitions.
“Obviously, this year we only won one, but I want to better that next year and try and push myself and push my teammates to try and be the best that we can.”
So impressive has Stanway’s form been that she has even been mooted as a potential Ballon d’Or candidate.
As pleasing as that might be, Stanway says if that sort of recognition does happen, it would be fantastic – but it is not at the forefront of her thoughts.
“It’s something that I don’t necessarily think about because I just focus on what I can deal with and what I can control and that’s how I work,” she said.
“That’s how I play. That’s how I train. That’s how I turn up on the weekend. That’s how I perform.
“I think if I control what I’m doing and if I’m getting the best out of each day and I’m training well, playing well, and we’re getting the results on the weekend…
“If it comes off the back of it, then fair enough. I’m not consciously thinking about it. If it comes, it comes but I just got control what I can.”
With so much pressure at club and international level, it is often Stanway that lightens the mood within the City squad where her quick with and effervescent nature make her a popular squad member.
“I think the girls will tell you that I’m always the one that’s having a bit of laugh and a joke, and I’ve kind of got witty comebacks that somehow everybody picks up on, even on the pitch as well,” she smiled.
“It’s just finding the right times to be able to do it. And obviously when we’re on over that white line, it’s not the time, but when we’re in the changing rooms, it’s time to let loose and just enjoy yourself.
“Hopefully, we’ve had an enjoyable season this year and obviously, hopefully all the girls have enjoyed it. Now we’ll focus on the next one.”
