The Canada international has admirably stepped up in Aoife Mannion’s enforced absence (along with fellow forward Georgia Stanway) to occupy the unfamiliar defensive position, as City continued our hunt for another trophy double before the international break.
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Unleashing her pace, the 25-year-old continued to mount an attacking threat from the wing-back role, storming down the right flank and whipping crosses into the box for in-form strikers Ellen White and Pauline Bremer.
However, Beckie believes it is the lessons she has learned from her spell which will prove most impactful upon her return to the final third.
“I’ve actually really enjoyed it,” she said. “It’s asked a lot of me from a technical perspective – to be solid in my own half, where I’m not used to touching the ball, and I really had to go into the position with an open mind and a learning mindset – but it’s been good.
“I’ve had to be really sharp in my game but playing next to Steph Houghton and then having Jill Scott in front of me – experienced players – has made the transition really smooth.
“It’s done loads for me back up top. I’m cleaner in possession, my decision-making is better and so is my composure on the ball when pressed.”
Having joined the Club in the summer of 2018, the Canadian has enjoyed a successful 18 months in Manchester – individually and collectively.
In addition to our trophy successes – with our 2019 Continental Cup glory gained with Beckie’s winning penalty in the shoot-out triumph over Arsenal – the forward asserts she is also thriving from City’s style and philosophy of ‘beautiful football.’
“This Club is about playing out – keeping possession – and to have been able to do that from a deeper position has added to my game,” she continued.
“It’s similar to playing as a winger. It’s different from playing centrally on the pitch, which is what you get playing as a forward.
“You have to use your physical ability and be able to get up and down the pitch.
“The team plays so well to having attacking full-backs. Having someone like Steph who can play me into position where I’m making something happen in the attacking third is great.
“It’s amazing playing next to her. It’s a different experience in a different part of the pitch.
“I’m just focused on doing what’s good for the team – wherever I play.”
