Hegerberg and Marozsan in the running for The Best FIFA Women’s Player award
Though different, the two combine to perfection on and off the pitch
Camille Abily gives her views on both players
The understanding between Ada Hegerberg and Dzsenifer Marozsan in the Olympique Lyonnais attack was one of the keys to the club’s success last season. With the Norwegian’s prowess in front of goal and the German’s passing skills, the French club stormed to a league and UEFA Women’s Champions League double and just missed out on the Coupe de France. The two club-mates are now vying for The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2018.
While no fewer than six six six figured among the ten nominees for the award, it is the attacking duo that remain in contention for it – along with the ageless Brazilian Marta – thanks to the contribution they made to their club’s 198 goals last season. Ahead of the final decision, Lyon legend and former team-mate of the two, Camille Abily, gives her views on Hegerberg and Marozsan.
Great players, great stats
Respectively used as a classic No9 and No10 in Reynald Pedros’ 4-3-3 formation, Hegerberg and Marozsan spent last season scoring goals – in the Norwegian’s case – and setting them up – in the German’s.
The complete package as a striker, Hegerberg, who measures 5’9 (1.74m), is capable of scoring from anywhere. Now aged 23, she is on top of her game, as her statistics from last season show. The scorer of 30 goals (with four assists) in 20 appearances in the league, she also struck a record 15 goals in eight matches in the Champions League.
Her 26-year-old German team-mate (5’7 (1.71m)) is perhaps the more naturally gifted player of the two. Though she scored only eight goals in the league and one in Europe, she too played a decisive role in her club’s triumphs, serving up eight assists in the league. Marozsan’s vision and dribbling skills helped power the French giants to their impressive double.
Abily’s view
“Ada is a goalscorer. She’s got a real thirst for goals. She focuses on nothing else. She puts a lot of effort into what she does and she’s a real hard worker. There’s more to her than just scoring, though. Ada also lets you play off her and she really uses her intelligence.
Dzsenifer is a different kind of footballer. She’s more creative. She sees things before anyone else and she hits the type of balls that few other players can. She’s incredibly skilful. They do have one thing in common, though: they can both win a match on their own, whether it’s with a dribble, a goal or a pass.”
Did you know?
Hegerberg played no part in Norway’s qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™, having decided to take a break from international football last year. As for Marozsan and Germany, they encountered more problems than expected in their qualification campaign, but still managed to seal their place in France next year.
Hegerberg and Marozsan both have footballing family members. The Germany international’s father made four appearances for Hungary, while Ada’s sister Andrine plays for Paris Saint-Germain and Norway, and her fiancé, defender Thomas Rogne, has won two caps for Norway.
Competitors and characters
Though different types of players, the two complement each other on the pitch, as they also do off it: one is an extrovert (Hegerberg), the other more reserved (Marozsan); one is a social media expert (Hegerberg), the other more guarded online (Marozsan). Nonetheless, they each have a very healthy respect for each other.
Abily’s view
“Ada is not as shy as Maro (as Marozsan is nicknamed at Lyon). As soon as she managed to start speaking French she opened up. She’s more at ease in a group of people. It’s taken Dzsenifer a little longer to show who she is. But when she lets her guard down she’s great company. And while she doesn’t say an awful lot, her performances speak for themselves."
Eight questions for Abily
Who’s more reserved? Dzsenifer Who’s faster on their feet? Ada Who’s got more skill? Dzsenifer Who more combative on the pitch? Ada Who’s more fashion-conscious? Ada Who’s the worse time-keeper? Neither Who’s better at FIFA? Dzsenifer Who speaks better French? Ada