Inside Manchester City Women's unique leadership system in changing rooms

Ahead of Manchester City’s 8-1 pummelling of Bristol City at the weekend, where Khadija Shaw increased her overall goal tally by four, Filippa Angeldahl, Julie Blakstad and Jemima Dahou also got on the scoresheet in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup fifth round, manager Gareth Taylor opened up about the leadership inside the Manchester City dressing room.

While Steph Houghton, Alex Greenwood and Esme Morgan have shared the captain’s armband this campaign, City’s approach to leadership is somewhat unique.

Taylor said: “Rather than it being just one person because I think that's always what it used to be, I think the game has changed a little bit. Now, it's really spread out in terms of the leadership and we're expecting everyone to bring their own identity to what we do.

“You have different types of leaders. I think we're all aware of Steph and the contribution she's made to both club and country for many, many years and still really contributing to us is a different type of leader to Alex.

“Steph is very vocal, very supportive of teammates. Alex is a little bit more subtle. In smaller conversations as an example, she was a massive help for Jess Parker, a young player. Alex really took her under her wing to help and kind of guide her with the dos and don'ts of being a professional player. So I will say quiet leadership with Alex. I mean, she really displays her leadership by performance.

“Laia Aleixandri as an example is almost like a captain without being the captain, her performances and the maturity for a young player have been very, very good. And again, I think having as many of those players involved helps the likes of Alex and Steph.”

Although Morgan has struggled with an Achilles injury since the 1-1 tie with Aston