Naomi Layzell: 10 things you didn’t know

Manchester City F.C.

·19 August 2024

Naomi Layzell: 10 things you didn’t know

England youth international Naomi Layzell is officially a Manchester City player!

The 20-year-old has moved to the Joie Stadium from Bristol City – signing a four-year deal with Gareth Taylor’s side.

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Here are 10 things about the centre-half you may or may not already know…

PROUDEST MOMENT

Although just 20, Layzell has experience beyond her fledgling years having played through a number of highs and lows for her former employers.

She said her proudest moments in football so far are winning the Barclays Women’s Championship with Bristol City in 2022/23 and training with the England senior squad in the Lionesses recent camp.

WSL DEBUT

Layzell made her Barclays Women’s Super League debut at the Joie Stadium against City for Bristol City in November 2020.

The defender played the full 90 minutes on the left side of a back three, but unfortunately couldn’t prevent an 8-1 defeat at the hands of the Blues.

MANCHESTER DERBY

Layzell says the fixture she’s looking forward to playing in most for City is the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.Gareth Taylor’s side will lock horns with Marc Skinner’s side at the arena across the weekend.

“When you’re a young girl you always dream of playing in front of big crowds,” Layzell said.

“You go and watch football matches and the buzz and excitement around those games, you can feel it.

“To then be able to be a part of those matches is just really exciting.”

'EMERGENCY’ DEFENDING

A centre-back by trade, it perhaps comes as no surprise that Layzell has stated her affection for heroic defending.

However, she also explained her satisfaction when having the ball at her feet.

She said: “I’d probably describe myself as [a player who] really loves to defend. I love ‘emergency’ defending and all that but I also really love to be on the ball.

“City as a team are hugely in possession based and love to have the ball and create chances. As a defender, I think it often starts from the back.

“I’m really excited to be able to start attacks and get the ball moving. I like to play on the ball as well.”

BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Naomi played with a swathe of players during her time at Bristol City.

She says, though, that the Vixens captain Megan Connolly had a big impact on her – especially during the 2023/24 WSL season when the Republic of Ireland international took

Layzell under her wing.

“She [Connolly] definitely gave me some invaluable advice,” Naomi revealed.

ROLE MODEL

Among Naomi’s biggest idols growing up is Vincent Kompany – City’s colossal former captain.

The Belgian won 12 major honours during his illustrious spell at the Etihad Stadium and caught the attention of many across the world for his heroic defensive displays, including Layzell!

YOUNG LIONESSES

Throughout Layzell’s career so far, she has been a consistent figure within England youth teams.

Starting with her nation’s Under-15s, she has played for the Lionesses’ U16, U18 and U19 sides before making her Under-23s bow in 2024.

Due to her promising displays domestically and internationally, she was invited to train with Sarina Wiegman’s squad during their most recent summer camp.

WATCH: 240814_NAOMI LAYZELL_SIGNING INTERVIEW_WIDE

INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION

Despite relegation from the WSL last term, Layzell was awarded Bristol City’s Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards due to her sparkling performances.

She told bcfc.co.uk when receiving the awards: “It’s been a great season individually in terms of getting opportunities and being able to play at the highest level, but as a team it’s been difficult, but I’m glad to have the recognition of my team-mates for all the hard work I’ve put in.

“Players’ Player is the biggest thing you can get because it’s great to know the fans and manager have your back, but to have respect from the players on the pitch with you, it feels a bit more special.”