Gareth Taylor’s title-chasing squad is packed with world-class talent as well as promising youngsters across the pitch.
21-year-old Blindkilde Brown joined City from Aston Villa in January and has featured 10 times across all competitions since.
A diminutive, creative talent capable of playing anywhere in midfield but preferring to operate in attacking areas, Blindkilde Brown has demonstrated an incredible amount of skill and composure so far in her City stint.
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However, with experienced internationals like Yui Hasegawa, Jill Roord, Jess Park, Vivianne Miedema and Laura Coombs also vying for midfield slots, it’s a difficult ask to force her way into Taylor’s brilliant XI.
That hasn’t fazed Blindkilde Brown though.
When speaking on the latest edition of the Official Man City Podcast, she made it clear that her time at the City Football Academy so far is seeing her develop significantly as a player.
“I knew coming to City that I wouldn’t necessarily get as much game time because the calibre of players is off the charts,” she said in conversation with hosts George Kelsey and Nedum Onuoha.
“The midfielders that I’m competing against are world class but I knew for my development that it would really help me.
“It definitely is hard to keep yourself motivated because you want to play, especially as young players. You’re excited about playing but I’m reminding myself that I have to be patient and my time will come.
“For example, Jess [Park] last season. She took her opportunity when it came and has stayed in the team. She’s an example to keep on being patient and keep working hard and the opportunity will come.
“It’s quite a clear way the way City want to play and as soon as I came to training they started teaching that into me but I was able to pick it up quite quickly.
“I know how quickly I need to move the ball.
“I’ve always got pressure on me in midfield so it’s about moving out of that. The way City play, it’s all about quick passes and switching the ball quickly.”
Several months down the line, Blindkilde Brown also reflected on her January move from Birmingham to Manchester.
Just 20 at the time, it was the midfielder’s first move out of her family home.
While exciting, such an event can be difficult for anyone, but Blindkilde Brown remembers how a couple of players in particular helped her settle.
“It was quite overwhelming at first because I wasn’t expecting it. My agent just rang me and said City are interested in me,” she began.
“I couldn’t believe it at first and I was in the door by the end of January. Trying to find accommodation was a struggle at first but I’ve found an apartment now.
“I was quite scared at first because I’ve never lived away from home but the fact it happened so quickly I didn’t have much time to think about it.
“Coming in to play football every day settled my nerves as well and I adapted to it better than I thought I would have.
“I knew Khiara [Keating] well and it was good to have someone like that in the dressing room.
“Steph [Houghton] is such a great leader and she was the captain. She was really welcoming to me, took me under her wing and helped me with anything that I needed when I came.”
City v Spurs at the Etihad
City return to the Etihad Stadium next week for the first of three matches in the arena this season.
We’ll face Tottenham Hotspur in a 19:30 (UK) kick-off and tickets are still available.
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With more than 40,000 attending each match there in the last two campaigns, get along to enjoy another special atmosphere!
