Perfecting specifics will help Everton close gap on top four says Vanhaevermaet

Everton midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet says that the club can close the gap between themselves and the top four in the Barclays Women’s Super League by working on the key details in training.

The Blue Girls finished sixth in the league table last season, 17 points behind the fourth-placed side Manchester City.

Belgian international midfielder Vanhaevermaet is one of seven new signings made by Everton boss Brian Sørensen in the summer transfer window. Vanhaevermaet has been playing in England for the last two years with Reading and after joining her new club, the midfielder still has the same passion for the league as she did when she first arrived two years ago.

“In general, the level of the league is just so high,” Vanhaevermaet said when speaking to the WSL press pack. “This is my third year in England, there was already a big difference in level between my first year here and my second year. It just keeps improving.

“The league has just so many good international players and also good English players. This is one of the best leagues in the world, so it’s really cool to be a part of, I’m here for a reason.”

Vanhaevermaet went on to say that Everton can look to close the gap on the top four by working hard on specific elements of their game in training.

She said “They had a good foundation last season with Brian. Now, it’s just improving specific details such as defensive structure to close the gap on the top four. What we do on a daily basis is just have high standards for ourselves in every training session, perfecting those things we did last season.”

There has been a huge impact on women’s football since England won the EUROs last year with more girls going to watch games and starting to play. More and more female players are becoming household names and Vanhaevermaet feels the pride of being a role model.

“I’ve never really felt that way until young girls start to contact you and tell you they’re looking up to you and are excited to see you play,” the midfielder said. “It just gives me some sort of pride that I’ve achieved something.”

Everton kick-off their Barclays Women’s Super League season against Brighton and Hove Albion at Walton Hall Park on Sunday 1 October 2023.

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