Maya gets listed alongside greats of world game

The odds were stacked against Brighton & Hove Albion as they met City’s host of international players at their Academy Stadium ground, following last December’s 5-0 loss in a similar encounter. Yet the 18-year-old excelled as they held the Mancunians to a goalless draw.

This led to her being named in the back-line of Her Football Hub’s Team of the Week. Albion coach Hope Powell was delighted with the result.

‘I think it’s one of our best WSL results, when you look at the calibre of the opposition,’ said Powell.

‘To come away from a game against a team full of players who have won World Cups and been in Champions League matches with a point makes me very happy – I thought the girls were tremendous.’

While Powell credited that result to an all-round team performance, she has highlighted Le Tissier as a particularly versatile defensive option.

‘Maya can play centre-half or right-back – I told her over the summer that is going to be her position where I’m looking at her more,’ she said. ‘I think her athleticism and her levels of fitness suit that role, but also give us that extra option as a centre-half.’

Four points from two games into the campaign, the Seagulls have made a promising start.

Le Tissier earlier praised the strength in depth of a squad augmented by the signing of New Zealand international centre-half Rebekah Stott.

‘I think it pushes you to work even harder in training and there is always going to be competition for places, which is something as a footballer you have to thrive off really and just take it in your stride and pick up bits from other players to implement into your game,’ said the Guernsey girl.

The WSL team of the week saw Le Tissier slot in alongside three Chelsea greats in Millie Bright, Erin Cuthbert and world record signing Pernille Harder, Arsenal’s Leah Williamson, Jill Roord and Beth Mead, plus the Manchester United duo Kirsty Hanson and Ella Toone. Reading’s Emma Mitchell made up the XI.