Jill Roord: One year in sky blue - milestones and highlights | OneFootball

Jill Roord settled into life with City like the proverbial duck to water.

The Dutch international’s signing was a notable coup for the Blues, with the classy No.10 regarded as one of European football’s brightest talents.

Roord penned a three-year deal a year ago today (6 July), reportedly becoming the Club’s most expensive signing ever in the process.

She took the No.20 jersey to begin with – Deyna Castellanos being the incumbent of her favoured #10 squad number on her arrival – but will start the 2024/25 campaign as City’s new No.10.

Sadly, Roord suffered an ACL injury in January during our 2-1 win over Manchester United in the Continental Cup and her absence – and Bunny Shaw’s injury towards the end of the campaign – were almost certainly the difference between Gareth Taylor’s side finishing second to Chelsea on goal difference and winning our second title.

But as Roord recovers, along with Shaw and the arrival of record WSL goal-scorer (and fellow Dutch international legend) Vivianne Miedema, the Blues will go into the new campaign full of confidence and excitement at the possibilities that lie ahead.

With that in mind, here are some of Roord’s special moments  in sky blue – so far!

Debut goal (v West Ham  Oct 2023)

It took Roord just 56 minutes to announce her arrival as a Manchester City player.

Tasked with a tricky opening day trip to West Ham, Roord capped a player of the match display by netting our second goal just before the hour-mark.

Lauren Hemp had given City the lead on 48 minutes before Chloe Kelly missed a penalty – but Roord produced a wonderful turn on the edge of the box before coolly slotting home her first goal for the Club – and securing three points in the process.

Off to a flyer!

First home goals (v Bristol City Oct 2023)

After making her Joie Stadium debut against Chelsea in a controversial 1-1 draw a week before, Roord scored her maiden home goals in the match that followed against Bristol City.

And Roord demonstrated her all-round ability by scoring two headers against the Robins – the first in the ninth minute and the second in first-half added time.

Three goals in her first three games – not bad going!

First assist (v Leicester Oct 2023)

Roord showed her class by assisting her first City goal in a 1-0 win at Leicester.

The Dutch midfielder’s driving run forward and unselfish pass to Chloe Kelly saw the England international grab what would be the only goal of the game on 10 minutes as the Blues’ bright start to the campaign continued.

First Manchester derby goal (v United  Nov 2023)

In front of almost 44,000 fans at Old Trafford, Roord ensured her first Manchester derby was a memorable one.

Trailing 1-0 to Katie Zelem’s penalty on 21 minutes, it was Roord who levelled for the Blues on 34 minutes, stroking home a lovely shot from 18 yards after fine work by Kelly.

And if you’re going to make a Manchester derby debut impression, a goal at the Stretford End is the way to do it!

City went on to win 3-1 and continue our impressive start to the new season.

First goal, assist & involvement (v spurs  Nov 2023)

Roord had scored a goal and assisted a goal for City already – but this would be the first time the Dutch maestro scored and assisted in the same game.

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The assist came in the form of a superb cross that Bunny Shaw planted home with a diving header on 32 minutes to put the Blues two goals to the good, at the Joie Stadium.

And Roord had a hand in goal No.4, with her shot blocked into the patch of Lauren Hemp who made no mistake on 48 minutes.

Hemp then turned provider on 53, sending in the perfect cross for Roord to nod home in what would eventually end a 7-0 rout for Taylor’s side.

Sweet Sixth (v Everton Dec 2023)

Roord’s sixth goal in City colours came in a 4-1 win away to Everton.

Leading 2-0 thanks to a Bunny Shaw brace, Roord all-but sealed three points with only 25 minutes on the clock against the Toffees with a precise finish after good work by Yui Hasegawa and Kelly.

Classy stuff!

First FA Cup goals (v Durham JaN, 2024)

Two stunning goals and a woodwork strike proved to be the perfect FA Cup baptism for Roord away to Durham.

Having earlier thundered the crossbar, with a powerful shot, Roord scored her first of the afternoon with a venomous strike on 38 minutes to put City 2-0 up in the north east.

And Roord wrapped up proceedings on 69 minutes with a sumptuous chip over the keeper on 69 minutes to take her tally for the season to eight in just 14 appearances.

one of our own (v Spurs, Jan 2024)

Roord’s ACL blow against United on 24 January meant her first season with City was over barely three months after it had begun.

But what an impression our Netherlands star had made with eight goals in her first 16 games plus plenty more in terms of overall contribution.

So, when Amy Turner put the ball past her own keeper on nine minutes to give the Blues the lead away to Spurs, it was evident of her impact and popularity among her teammates that Chloe Kelly collected a jersey with her Roord's name on it before holding it aloft to cameras during the ensuing goal celebration.

As the above evidence proves, Roord’s return can’t come quick enough!

WATCH: Roord: ACL recovery ‘going really well’