The USWNT are a side reborn under the management of Emma Hayes. Their group stage tenure at the Paris Olympics saw them progress with flying colours, finding victory over Zambia (3-0), Germany (4-1), and Australia (2-1).

The side look alive, with the pulse beating through the exciting frontline of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. Emma Hayes has reinstalled the discipline that the USA have become so known for, as the side operate with expertise from back to front.

Naomi Girma receives her rightful flowers, as the San Diego Wave centre-back continues to prove why she is one of the best in her position on a global level. Sam Coffey has proved her worth as a classy pivot, whilst the ‘Trident’ up front have flexed their muscles in every fixture.

However, the player we will be focussing on is the exceptional Emily Fox.

Fox has earned her stripes in recent times, becoming the mainstay right back for the USA as they commence a new era. Starting each one of the fixtures at the 2024 Olympic Games thus far, Fox continues to prove her worth in America’s search for gold.

A disciplined athlete

Emily Fox has entered the Paris Olympics in prime form, starting each game of the tournament thus far. USA’s meeting with Zambia was a clinical display from the Americans, as Emma Hayes’ side dominated across all fronts of the field.

The forward threat of the Copper Queens later proved significant, as Barbra Banda claimed a hatrick against Australia in an empathic performance. Though on this occasion, the USA nullified any threat with excellence. Fox tracked back with pure athleticism, working alongside Naomi Girma to ice-out the Zambian attack down the left side.

The next game was Germany, as the USA prepared to face the third ranked nation in the world in Marseille. Though the threat proved minimal, as the Americans triumphed in a 4-1 thrashing.

It was another clinic from Emily Fox, as she operated the width with authority alongside her left-back counterpart in Crystal Dunn.

The real statement came in the form of Trinity Rodman, as the Washington Spirit forward proved absolutely dominant across the group stage fixtures. Rodman played with freedom and exuberant confidence.

As the winger flexed her muscles down the right wing, it’s safe to say her comfort in play was derived by the fullback behind her. Fox was a rock at the back, permitting Rodman the freedom to thrive in the line in front of her.

The meeting with Australia on the final day of the group stages was no different, as Fox and her defending counterparts made Australia appear leggy and answerless. There were many instances when Fox shut down her Arsenal teammate in Caitlin Foord, whilst also managing the pace of Hayley Raso down the width.

The knockout stages were no different, as Emily Fox remained a strong pillar, continuing to prove why she is one of the best in her position on a global scale.

Composed and classy

Not only does Fox bring disciplined athleticism to the USA wings, she also acts as a composed and classy outlet in possession. Fox is clever when catalysing play, operating at 90% passing accuracy (216/240) in the knockout meetings with Germany and Japan (as per FotMob).

The ability to thrive in both pace and composure is so rarely balanced by usual fullbacks, but it seems that Fox is able to bring all elements of her game to equilibrium.

Fox can manage the threat of her opponent whilst also being clever in possession, never seeming to force a long-ball or rush a hasty clearance. It always seems as if Fox weighs up her options with equanimity, before selecting the perfect play for her USA side.

The 26 year-old survived an injury scare that had fans holding their breath as she went down with a non-contact injury in the USA’s quarter-final meeting with Japan. Though all was well as Fox returned against Germany like no blip had occurred, only to go on display her brilliance once again in the red, white, and blue.

Saturday brings another opportunity for Fox to flourish, but the stakes have never been higher as the USA prepare to face Brazil in the Final of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Fox will be tested to a great degree, as she faces the challenge of nullifying some of the most exciting players of the tournament. Whether she will start or not, Kerolin causes nightmares for defences with her relentless pace and press. Jhennifer, Portilho, and Priscila have all been outstanding in leading Brazil to the gold medal match, each with vital goals to bring pulse to the campaign.

Though if there is one player you want wearing your colours at right back when fighting for a gold medal, it is Emily Fox.