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Lianne Sanderson
club: Arsenal USA 0-3: Football England Rating 6 Finally saw action, though with the game already lost, and linked up play better than anyone else had managed earlier in the centre forward position. Argentina 6-1: Had to sit this one out and watch Jody Handley get the nod as substitute for Eni Aluko which must have been a disappointing experience. Germany 0-0: Once again didn't feature but she could be the player to offer Kelly Smith some proper support. Japan 2-2: Must have been disappointed when Jill Scott was sent on ahead of her to replace Aluko but remains a serious option if Hope Powell decides to replace either Aluko or Yankey, both of whom flopped here. Assessment: It often takes a relative unknown to come through during a tournament for a team to do well and Sanderson is the player most likely to do that for England. She has enjoyed a couple of fantastic seasons with Arsenal and scored a truck load of goals for them last season. Scoring goals for Arsenal is not always the most difficult job in the world, however, and I personally don't think centre forward is necessarily Sanderson's best position. Big and somewhat ungainly looking her appearance does not give a real indication of the type of player she is. Sanderson is very skillful, has a great first touch and is wonderfully inventive with her passing. She operates best in the hole just behind the striker but this is a position owned by Kelly Smith for both club and country so Lianne will just have to shift as best she can for the time being. Certainly has the ability to put the ball into the net but is not at her best with her back to goal. One to keep an eye on though.
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