Kerstin Casparij is having the season of her career so far – and she’s nowhere near finished

When the Barclays Women’s Super League finished for the winter break on 14 December, Manchester City were six points clear of last season’s winners Chelsea at the top of the table. And while football is a team sport, anyone who follows City will know that Kerstin Casparij had a lot to do with that success.

Alongside prolific striker Bunny Shaw, Casparij has been on fire this season, standing in as captain in Alex Greenwood’s absence and scoring and assisting goals alongside her usual defensive duties. The Netherlands international has always been talented, but this season, it feels like she’s taken things to another level; so far she’s claimed three Barclays Player of the Match awards, which she followed up by being named Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month for November.

“It means a lot to get the recognition, especially since it’s an award where the fans vote,” Casparij said of her win. “Recognition and acknowledgement of your hard work feels very rewarding and makes me even more motivated to work hard and keep performing.” 

Of course, Casparij’s success isn’t some lucky twist of fate; it’s the result of a lot of hard work over the last couple of years. Not only has she been training hard to up her offensive game (she’s scored twice and assisted four times this season), but she’s also been learning more about what it takes to be a leader and putting that into action on and off the pitch.

After she was named Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month in November, we caught up with Casparij to hear more about how she’s feeling at this point in the season, and what life looks like behind the scenes both in training and at home.

Hi Kerstin! You’ve won a lot of personal awards this year – how does it feel to be recognised in this way, and where are you going to put all the trophies?

It obviously feels great that it’s all coming together for me this season. However, it is a team effort, and I could not be playing the way that I am without the help of my teammates. Unfortunately, the shelf where I’ve been putting my trophies is now full, so I’ll have to find a different place for my player of the month trophy. Luckily, we have a built-in bookshelf in our living room, so I think this award will get a nice place on there.

What do you think has been contributing to your excellent form this season?

I’ve been working very hard for the last three seasons to get to the level that I am now. I feel very strong and confident in the games that I play, but most importantly, I’m enjoying being on the pitch with my teammates. My role in our game plan and system has also changed from previous seasons, and I feel like that has really helped me develop as a player and a leader.  

You’ve scored twice and assisted four times this season so far – how have you developed the attacking part of your game?

A lot of training! I consider myself very lucky to be able to work with the roster of offensive players that we have on our team – they have helped and inspired me along the way and push me to get the best out of myself every single day, which creates the relationship that you all see on the pitch! Other than that I feel like I’ve been given more freedom to be creative this season, which has led to me feeling able (and trusted) to know when to join and contribute to our offensive play.

Man City is currently top of the WSL table – what do you think it is about the team that’s made you so formidable this season?

I think our offensive threat has been key, especially in the earlier stages of the season. Our desire to keep improving and wanting to do that together as a team has also been valuable. And most importantly, we are a really good group of people; our togetherness is our super strength. I’m very much looking forward to what the rest of the season has to bring for us.

You’ve been wearing the armband in Alex’s absence. How would you describe your leadership style?

I’m still learning what kind of leader I am. I definitely have an idea of the leader that I want to be, but I feel that it’s really important that I stay close and true to myself and not rush that process and development. I think you learn from every coach, player and staff member around you – as well as individual experiences – and you bring all of that together when you’re leading. I’m generally someone who likes to give the right example and step up when I have to, without taking myself too seriously. The main word for me this season, on a personal and professional level, has been ‘connection’. I love connecting with others, and it has been one of the reasons why we as a team have been so great this season. 

You’re surrounded by incredible players at Man City – what lessons have you learned from the players around you?

I’ve had a lot of different phases in my City career so far, and I’ve been very fortunate to work with so many incredible players and people. In particular, I feel very fortunate to have worked with a lot of people from different cultures. I’ve felt inspired by learning more about other people’s customs and traditions: it’s really opened my mind.

You’ve come a long way in the last few years alone, but let’s think back to the beginning. Was there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to be a pro-footballer?

I’ve dreamt of going pro since I made my senior debut at Heerenveen when I was 15. However, it wasn’t until I was 18 that I started really investing in myself by deciding where I wanted to be in four years and making a plan to get there. After that, I started working with a personal trainer and nutritionist, doing extra training sessions focusing on my gameplay and technique and speaking to a therapist. My goal at that point was to make the Dutch National Team squad for a major tournament and join a club in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Exactly four years afterwards, in 2022, I realised both of those goals.

Between your league responsibilities and international duty, you’re always very busy – how do you relax and recharge?

I’m very fortunate to be able to live with my partner and our two cats. Coming home to them helps me switch off from football, which is very nice – especially during some of the intense and stressful parts of the season. I’m really in my reading era at the moment (I’m currently reading the second book in the Game Of Thrones series), which allows me to completely switch off. I also love going to the sauna or going for a swim in the outdoor pool at our local gym. 

What about after the buzz of a match day – how do you wind down then?

My partner loves to watch me and my team play and is my/our biggest fan, but once the game is done, she gets on with her day, which forces me to do the same. That really helps me to switch off and wind down afterwards. However, if we lose a game, I’m definitely frustrated for a while and need a bit of time to snap out of that feeling. I like listening to music too – right now I’m enjoying listening to Olivia Dean.

You’re known for your incredible social media presence – what is it about posting that you enjoy?

I mostly enjoy the connection that it creates with so many people. I also like to show a little bit more of my personality, as I want to portray an honest and organic image of who I am off the pitch. But most importantly, I like being creative and a little silly, plus I love a bit of banter – the memes that have been produced by the fans over the years are class and have really made me feel part of the women’s football community.

If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?

I’d most likely have studied criminology at university, because I have always found that very interesting. So I’d most likely be doing something related to that! 

Images: Barclays Women’s Super League; Getty