Arsenal fans are patiently waiting for the dawn of the new WSL season and the chance to watch record-breaking signing Olivia Smith in action.

After a groundbreaking season with Liverpool, where she scored eight goals across all competitions, it was clear that Smith would be a hot topic in the transfer market. The Reds were unwilling to sell – but not closed off to the idea. It began to grow clear that Liverpool put a £1 million price tag on her head, and if any club were willing to pay the sum then the deal would be done.

WSL clubs tried to cheat the price placed by Liverpool, offering sums and player add-ons to get the deal done. Arsenal were aggressive in the market, played their cards and secured the signature.

Preparing to back-up their glorious Champions League feat, Olivia Smith is exactly what the Gunners will need if they are to tear the WSL title away from Chelsea at last.

Olivia Smith – What do the stats say?

Two things stand out when reviewing Smith’s impact during her maiden WSL season – her defensive attributes and her directness in attack.

In statistics compared to her positional peers across the top nine women’s competitions globally, Smith stands out in a few key areas.

One is her attacking directness, something that began clear during Smith’s season with Liverpool. The Canadian is a run and carry player, something that is showcased through her intense pace. Ranked in the top 17% for progressive carries and in the top 1% for successful take ons, it is clear Smith adopts and succeeds at a ‘do it myself’ brand of football.

So, what does this mean for Arsenal?

Dissimilar to Liverpool, Arsenal have a ever-rotating plethora of talent up front. With no disrespect to the Merseyside club, the Champions League winners do boast a higher level of fire power in their ranks.

Ballon d’Or nominee, Women’s Euros winner and WSL golden boot owner Alessia Russo is a direct target for the Gunners, contributing in the build up and box-crashing to finish the job. Her partnership with Smith is something that peaks my interest, and can mean a few things.

In the build up, Arsenal’s centre backs and midfield group prefer to play Russo the ball higher up the pitch. The striker’s hold up play often sees her grapple for space away from her opponent, before turning and playing in the wingers in and behind. This is something Smith can benefit from, as she likes to pick up the ball and carry possession down the right channel.

However, this ‘do it myself’ style is less depended on at Arsenal. At Liverpool, Smith made something out of nothing. With the Gunners, she will be set up as a winger who can feed the box-crashing likes of Russo, Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum, Mariona Caldentey and more.

This perhaps feeds into Smith’s zero assists throughout the 2024/25 campaign. It will be interesting to see whether or not this is a case of Smith’s need for growth in the ball service department, or of Liverpool’s absence of clinical finishers.

Another area that stands out in Smith’s game are her impressive defensive attributes. The 21-year-old ranks in the top two percentiles for both interceptions and tackles, while also ranking in the top 15% for blocks. This, partnered with her attacking directness, indicates that Smith is a bit of a workhorse down the right channel.

So, what does this mean for Arsenal?

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers has made it clear that she expects a strong sense of defensive discipline from all of her attackers. Beth Mead has mastered that art for years, and is often called upon when the Gunners require more aid in defence.

During her time at Manchester City, Chloe Kelly played a completely different role, and it was often the midfielders who were asked to drop back whilst her and Lauren Hemp remained in the attacking half of the pitch. However, since her arrival at Arsenal, Kelly has introduced a new dimension to her defensive game following the responsibilities placed on her by Slegers.

Smith would have been scouted because of her pace and excitement in attack, but her defensive attributes shouldn’t be overlooked when considering why Slegers was so eager to bring her into the camp. The knowing that Smith has these skills in her armoury allows Arsenal to enter the new season with little disruption in the defensive half.

Smith must compete with a plethora of Arsenal talent

It goes without saying that Smith will face a higher level of competition when it comes to claiming a starting spot at Arsenal. The 21-year-old will likely be one of four starting options for Slegers, pooled with Kelly, Mead and Caitlin Foord.

At any top level side, no one’s spot in the starting eleven should be guaranteed. This authority in depth is something that only Chelsea have possessed over recent seasons, leading to their complete dominance over the domestic league. Four elite wingers fighting for a spot is something that Arsenal fans can only be excited about, and something that will certainly improve Smith’s game.

Caitlin Foord will be absent in March 2026 as Australia host the Women’s Asian Cup. This makes the other three wingers, and their fitness, integral to Arsenal’s performance during that condensed calendar period.

Kelly has begun to spend more time on the left wing, most recently picking up three assists, two within 120 seconds, for England during their Euros winning campaign in Switzerland. This versatility will allow for both Smith and Arsenal to get the most out of Slegers’ proposed system.

For Arsenal, Smith represents both the present and the future. Her arrival ensures competition in between the Gunners remains fierce, and Smith’s drive to take on the game offers something exciting to an already formidable frontline.