Sam Mewis says Manchester City have signed an exceptional player following the capture of her international team-mate and friend Abby Dahlkemper.

Defender Dahlkemper followed in the footsteps of her United States’ colleagues, Mewis and Rose Lavelle, to sign a two-and-half year deal at the Academy Stadium.

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Having won NWSL titles together at Western New York Flash and North Carolina Courage – the team from which both players signed – Mewis is familiar with her fellow World Cup winner’s attributes, and says City have acquired a fantastic player.

“Abby and I have been playing together since 2011,” she said whilst in training camp with the US national team.

“Every year, we’ve been on the same team. It’s exciting that we get to continue that partnership. 

“She’s one of my best friends. I’m really excited she’s coming to Manchester.  

“She’s an incredible defender – a great player. I think she’ll fit right in. I know she’s really excited to get in and meet everybody and get started. 

“I’m excited to have another American coming. It will be really fun.” 

Mewis is currently in the States for back-to-back friendlies against Colombia.

The Tower of Power netted her first career hat-trick in Monday’s 4-0 friendly win before her sister Kristie completed the rout, ensuring the last five US goals were scored by the siblings!

Our 68-cap international admitted she has returned feeling the benefits of her move to England.

Having scored six goals in 17 games since her arrival in August, the midfielder has made a seamless transition to the FA Women’s Super League and it is a move which has lived up to her expectations.

“It’s no secret the resources at City are incredible,” she added.

“The facilities are incredible and the staff and resource we’re given.., We’re really backed up by the Club. It’s been a wonderful experience for me.

“I’ve noticed some things I’ve learned at Man City have helped me.

“I’ve had so many ups and downs, being here. I’ve had struggles and good moments but I’m trying to pick up things I’ve learned and put them into my game.

“I’m really grateful to have such a great experience at City so far. Hopefully, I’ll be able to grow, learn and improve as a player because of that.”

Mewis has also been impressed by City’s off the pitch operation, in particular the ‘Same City, Same Passion’ campaign, which launched three years ago to promote women’s football.

The 28-year-old says she has noticed the benefit of the Club’s commitment to growing the game and believes it is an exciting time for women’s football globally.

“In the US, we have been pushing for things like this for a long time,” said Mewis.

“City started some branding called ‘Same City, Same Passion’. I definitely think they have provided us with tonnes of resource.  We work out of the same building as the men.

“That brand recognition for women is definitely growing. From what I’ve seen, it’s been very positive so far.

“Women’s football in general is on the up and seems to be growing and attracting a lot interest from brands and fans, which is something we can be excited about in UK and here in the US.”