Central Coast Mariners coach Emily Husband says ‘untapped talent’ Isabel Gomez deserves to be in the Matildas squad after the midfielder was named PFA Player of the Month.
The 22-year-old, who cruelly missed out on her maiden national team call-up November due to injury, has dominated the Ninja A-League since returning from a knee issue, contributing two goals and two assists in her last three matches.
Ahead of this Friday night’s clash with Melbourne Victory, where the Mariners can secure finals football with a single point, Husband lavished praise on her star midfielder.
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“She’s been a massive boost to the team,” the Mariners boss said.
“You know, we congratulated her, and we all got around her, and we’re super proud of her (for winning Player of the Month).
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“To come back after having basically three months out with an injury, and come back with such a bang like she never left is impressive.
“It speaks volumes about what Gomez has in her locker.
“For me, she’s an untapped talent, because… she’s got so many qualities that I think a lot of players in Australia lack.
“She’s got to continue to develop in those areas and put her best foot forward and get the call back up to the Matildas, because that’s where ultimately, she deserves to be.
“She’s got a fantastic attacking output. Defensively, she sees things before a lot of players.
“She’s a phenomenal player, still so young as well, so she’s got a fantastic career ahead of her, no doubt.”
In the same press conference, teammate Jessika Nash also spoke highly of Gomez, labelling her ‘one of the most talented footballers I’ve ever seen’.
The pair have been instrumental in leading the Mariners to fifth place on the table with two matches to play.
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“Izzy Gomez is truly incredible. I think she’s one of the most talented footballers I’ve ever seen play the game,” Nash said.
“I think her being in form really puts us in form.
“She’s scoring goals, she’s turned up in big moments this season, in the little time that she’s had to play. So I think that’s a credit to her.
“To be able to hit the ground running coming back from a pretty serious injury is another credit to her. We’re looking to utilise all her strengths in the game.”
