Denise O’Sullivan has only been with Gotham FC for 10 days, but she’s already making a strong impression on her new teammates.
Right-back Bruninha believes that the 32-year-old Irish international’s presence in central midfield will allow full-backs license to drive forward.
Bruninha Welcomes O’Sullivan’s Presence in Midfield
“Denise is an amazing player,” right-back Bruninha stated during Thursday’s media availability. “When we are playing together, training together, it’s amazing to play with her. She’s very intense. I really like her style because she can touch the ball and switch sides.
“This is very important for us as an outside back because we need to have this player in the middle working with the team. Of course, not just looking for one side and trying to move the ball fast. She is a perfect player to do that.”
O’Sullivan debuted in an eight-minute cameo in Gotham’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Seattle Reign FC last Saturday.
It’s likely that she will see increased minutes in Friday’s road match against Portland Thorns FC.
Shaun Harris Praises O’Sullivan’s Quick Integration
“I think she’s going to be ready to go real soon,” Gotham FC acting head coach Shaun Harris hinted on Thursday.
Harris has been called upon to lead Gotham when head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has been away from the team. Amorós began a five-week parental leave on Monday.
Throughout his three and a half years at the club, Harris has excelled at incorporating players into the Bats’ rapid, high-pressing system.
Within that system, O’Sullivan will be counted on to set the tempo in transition, track back and provide structural stability. Harris believes that the experienced central midfielder is quickly adapting to Gotham both in style of play and as a well-liked personality within the group.
“Denise has been fantastic since she’s joined the group,” Harris explained. “She’s really warm, welcoming. She’s fit straight in. It’s almost like she’s been here already.
“Obviously, she knows a few of the players from playing in the league. So it wasn’t too much of a shock to her. Obviously, she’s just coming back from England and adjusting to how we operate, which naturally takes time.
“I think for us, we’re really happy with Denise’s progress and the way she’s integrated into the team. I think she’s probably one of the senior players in the group; her adaptation is going to be a little bit quicker because she’s played in the league. She’s well-versed in what the NWSL requires.
“So that side of it, we’re really happy. It’s just more like how do we operate tactically with the different profiles and what we want to see from different players in different positions? But ultimately, she’s a true professional. She knows exactly what is required in certain situations, which is what we’re looking for.”
Harris on O’Sullivan: ‘She’s Really a Player That Can Really Control Games’
Harris is relieved to have O’Sullivan adding to the competition for places in Gotham’s midfield compared to the years he spent trying to slow her down while she was leading the way for the North Carolina Courage.
“She’s always one on the scout report,” Harris said of game planning against O’Sullivan in previous years. “Okay, watch out for Denise. Let’s make sure we try and contain Denise. She’s always been someone that we kind of really focus on.
“She’s really a player that can really control games and dictate what kind of happens from the build to the attack. So every time we’ve played her, she’s always been a problem for us, and now she can be a problem for someone else.”
Gotham heads into Friday in second place in the NWSL standings, even on points with the first-place Washington Spirit, who possess a superior goal difference.
A win or draw in Portland would at least temporarily move Gotham into top position. Friday’s match at Providence Park is scheduled to kick off at 10 p.m. Eastern Time with Prime Video carrying the national broadcast.
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