Leah Williamson will be an integral member of the Arsenal squad for years to come, says her Gunners team-mate Jordan Nobbs.
The 17-year-old was named England Women’s Youth Player of the Year following her performances for the U19s and U20s in 2014.
She put in a number of impressive performances for Arsenal in the last calendar year as she also claimed an FA Cup winners' medal.
Leah's England factfile
DOB: 29/03/1997
U23s: 1 cap
U20s: 3 caps
U19s: 8 caps, 2 goals
U17s: 16 caps, 2 goals
U15s: 1 cap
And Nobbs has attributed Williamson’s form to her impressive work ethic.
Nobbs told Sky Sports: “Even in training I knew she was going to be something special.
“You can see that drive in her and when I look at her I see some of the attributes that I had. She runs around and works so hard as a player.
“If you've got that you can get a lot further in life and I think she fully deserved that award. I think she'll be a massive part of our squad in the future.”
Williamson captained England’s U17s to a fourth-place finish at the 2013 European Championship before making the step up to Mo Marley’s U19s squad.
She was also named in Marley’s England squad for last summer’s FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup in Canada where she played in all three group matches.
Williamson has turned out at full-back, centre back and in midfield during her fledgling career, and Nobbs says her team-mate is more than capable of performing in a number of positions.
Nobbs added: “You can put her anywhere on the pitch and she'll be able to do a great job. I think that just shows her talent.
“I'm sure she'll get a set position soon and make a fantastic job of it. Hopefully [Arsenal boss] Pedro [Martinez Losa] can find that right place for her and she can be a massive part of our club.
“Hopefully she keeps improving and I can play next to her as well. She's the type of person I'd want to play with.
“Anyone who has a work rate like that I know I can definitely work off.
“If I can ever teach her anything I will, but if I can be next to her playing then we'll have a strong midfield.”
Arsenal won The FA Women’s Cup for the 13th time last season and finished fourth in FA WSL 1.
They begin the new League campaign away to Notts County on Thursday 2 April.
The Gunners will open the defence of their Women’s Cup crown with a Fifth Round tie on Sunday 22 March.
Nobbs and her England senior team colleagues will next be in action on Friday 13 February when they entertain USA at MK Dons.
Tickets are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Call 0333 200 5343 or visit the MK Dons website to get yours
