She sometimes feints to join the assault before ghosting in unnoticed, either at the back post or as an extra player in risky spots to cause overloads. The 23-year-old knows when to underlap and overlap, but is also content to remain still if midfielders commit. Mullen has strong in-game awareness and makes excellent forward runs. She prefers to stretch the play as wide as possible in search of opportunities to cross into the box and attacking area and has a fantastic ability to strike targets with crosses and cutbacks. She can be a dangerous offensive threat if she can explode into space with or without possession. Mullen exudes a hardworking demeanour and has a great engine and can charge down the wing, making her a threat attacking down the right flank as well as reliable defensive cover She makes excellent use of her quickness and strong build when engaging in a one-on-one physical confrontation.
️ Wyscout /TnQIVbCX0j- Charlotte Patterson June 3, 2022 I absolutely love her acceleration and how she drives forward with the ball Here are some of her highlights from this season. Megan Beer piece done and awaiting publication ✅ Instead of diving in or standing back, she uses her exceptional footwork and movement to match her opponent each step of the way. With solid posture and technique, she closes out to the ball, widening her base for balance and keeping her hips open to allow for quick changes in terms of player direction and ball movement. Her high-level athleticism and outstanding defensive awareness work in tandem to great effect. Mullen’s tackling style is described as methodical. That much is clear from her one-on-one defence.
Overall, Mullen is a sharp defender who knows how to position herself to efficiently defend a variety of evolving situations, without overcommitting or under-committing herself. Mullen monitors the field frequently and is aware of opponents’ movement, which she reacts to fast, such as dropping off to cover a run into depth or pushing up to close space and apply pressure. While that is an important aspect of her game, she also has excellent vision and can read the game well.
It is that technical and tactical prowess that distinguishes her from the pack.
Her game is built around technical prowess and tactical awareness, rather than focusing on flashy talents or dribbles to outshine her opponents. She also enjoys defending on the offensive end, jockeying attackers before bursting into action to intercept loose or wayward passes. Mullen’s tackling style is measured she rarely dives in and prefers to stand opponents up before charging at the ball. In the footage below, you can see just how often Mullen makes off-the-ball runs to get forward and how often and long she carries the ball forward. Almost all of her defensive strengths are fuelled by her athleticism and drive to push forward and press, she is a powerful one-on-one defender who is both proactive in engaging wingers in wide areas and difficult to beat due to great acceleration and anticipation over short distances. Mullen has the engine and speed to match the team’s needs and perform to today’s modern full-back standards. I love my job and working with children so would still be something similar to that! If you weren’t playing football, what do you think you would do or want to do? I would do what I’m doing now, working as a Primary School Teacher. She also plays in the same position as me and I would love to try and emulate her play style Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Imagesįun fact about yourself or hidden talent: Sorry but I don’t think I have anything interesting, I’m pretty boring haha! Who is your favourite women’s footballer past or present? I would have to say Lucy Bronze due to her supportive play and work ethic.
But working full-time as a teacher and part-time as a footballer doesn’t always allow me much free time Do you have any superstitions or prematch rituals?: I don’t have any superstitions as such, but each week I try to keep my match preparations exactly the same.Īny other hobbies: Football being the main one, I also enjoy running, working out and socialising with friends and family.