‘We’ve got such a great group’ – Coombs thriving from competition at Manchester City

Manchester City’s Laura Coombs believes that the strong competition for places at the club this season is really helping her to become the best player that she can be.

Coombs was on target for The Cityzens as they defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 at The Academy Stadium yesterday. The 31-year-old sent a 20-yard rocket into the top corner of the visitors’ net in the first half. That goal was her third of the season in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

There is strong competition for places in the midfield areas at Manchester City this season and Coombs believes that the talent around the squad is helping to drive her on to improve every day.

“I think every player is a confidence player, I definitely am,” Coombs said when speaking in the post-match press conference.

“We’ve got such a great group here. Every day we push each other and you go into the games knowing that the training has been super hard in the week and you feel prepared. That really helps me, I need to be around good players to get to the top of my game.

“Every game that I go into, I know what my job is, I know what my role is and I feel confident.”

Manchester City have a whole range of midfield talent in their squad this season and Coombs believes that the variety of options has allowed her to develop her game.

She said “It’s good. We have a lot of different types of midfielders and it’s good for Gareth (Taylor) because depending on the game, he can go with the team that he wants.

“I’m always someone who is looking to learn from others in training and what others do better than me that I can pick up. I’ve had some great players over the years to learn from and I feel like this year, taking little bits from everyone is helping me come into my own.”

Manchester City are back in action on Wednesday evening when they face Coombs’ former club Liverpool in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup.