Christiansen: Park’s rise has been meteoric | OneFootball

Izzy Christiansen has described Jess Park’s as a ‘magnificent’ young player as she looks to hit new heights in 2024/25.

The former City midfielder made the comments during our CITY+ coverage of the Perth International Cup final, where Park was once again a standout despite a 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Christiansen crossed paths with the 22-year-old during the latter’s loan spell at fellow Barclays Women’s Super League side Everton two seasons ago.

GET YOUR PARK #16 SHIRT

Returning to City last season, she came into her element in the new year and was one of our standout performers when operating from central midfield.

And while Christiansen pointed to some incredible options in Gareth Taylor’s engine room, she believes Park is primed for another memorable campaign.

She said: “She [Jess Park] came on loan when I was at Everton, so I had a season with her, which was brilliant because it was when she really found herself with minutes in the WSL.

WATCH: City 0-1 PSG: Extended highlights

“She came back into this environment and to see her rise last season, I’d describe it as meteoric. She’s gone from a proper good player to probably being one of the first names on Gareth Taylor’s team sheet.

“Her consistency in that position, having played that midfield role for City, there’s a very fine level of detail you need to understand, and she’s taken that on board and applied it consistently.

“How she played last season, she was fantastic, the derby game stood out, the Chelsea game in the league away, she’s just a magnificent young player.

“The challenge this season is to keep the shirt. We’ve got Laura Blindkilde Brown who’s rising, Jill Roord to come back in who is probably a nailed on a starting 10 when she’s fit, what an exciting player, there’s Laura Coombs and also Jess.

“It’s going to be a battle but that’s what you need, especially when you’re playing Champions League football as well.”

City begin our WSL campaign away to Arsenal, a side who will also go into the new season as one of the early frontrunners for the title.

Taylor’s side will play at the Emirates Stadium for the first time in a 12:30 (UK) kick-off on Saturday 21 September.

Christiansen expects the Gunners to make life difficult for City, but believes our strong showing against PSG stands the players in good stead.

“It’s a tough match,” she admitted.

“The way historically the WSL has been won, it’s come down to head to heads between that cohort of the top three or four.

“Last season here at the Joie Stadium, City were by far the dominant team, but it’s about putting the chances away.

“Arsenal at the Emirates, it’ll be a sell-out but that’s something the City players will thrive off.

“It’s a great start, and with City playing football like they’ve shown against PSG, they’ll be fresh, ready to go and will have to be ruthless on the day.”