Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler embracing versatility ahead of frantic Olympic campaign
Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler is embracing her versatility at the upcoming Olympics vowed to play her part wherever needed — be it in the middle of the park or at full-back.
The Australian team have wrapped up their pre-Olympic training camp in Spain as they prepare to depart for Marseille, host city for their opening game against Germany.
The testing Olympics schedule means the Matildas will play three games in seven days in the group stage, and while recent rule changes allow for alternate players outside the main squad to be called upon in event of injury, the matchday squad is capped at 18.
Wheeler is naturally a central midfielder but has filled in at full-back for Everton in the Women’s Super League previously and played left-back against Canada over the weekend with captain Steph Catley injured.
The 26-year-old said she would play wherever coach Tony Gustavsson needed her to and she embraced every opportunity to represent her country.
“Me as a person, I’ve always said that I just like to make the most of my opportunities and if that’s playing full-back, it’s playing full-back; if it’s playing midfield, it’s playing midfield,” she said.
“I’m not someone that really cares — as long as I’m representing Australia and being out there on the park means a lot for me and whatever position I play, I’m going to do my best.
“I don’t think it disadvantages me to be versatile. It’s an important part of every player to be able to play maybe somewhere else if needed.”
Camera IconClare Wheeler of the Matildas looks on during the Matildas and IR Iran game at HBF Park on October 26, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images) Credit: Will Russell/Getty Images
Wheeler has had to bide her time at national team level, stuck behind Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Emily van Egmond in midfield, but has impressed on multiple occasions since not playing a minute at the Women’s World Cup last year.
“Sometimes it’s the unfortunate reality of a national team, it’s competitive and game-time is definitely not guaranteed,” Wheeler said.
“But I think the most important thing is just keep going and that’s what I enjoy. I’d love to play, but more so I’d love to be part of this team and represent my country.
“Sometimes there have been times where I haven’t played and for me, that doesn’t reduce my motivation, it just puts more wood on the fire so to speak.”
Camera IconClare Wheeler challenges Lindsey Horan of the United States. Credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
After starting 19 games for Everton in the recent WSL season, Wheeler said her experiences in England had fueled her impressive form, which had resulted in selection for a maiden Olympics.
“Playing in the WSL has enabled me to play in a competition where the speed of the game and the quality of the players is next level and that just tests you more as a player. Putting myself in more challenging situations has enabled me to build confidence,” she said.
“It’s about growing and getting better and adding layers to the game and for me, that’s more exposure overseas playing competitively against some of the world’s best and that challenge has forced me to grow and I think you’re seeing the rewards of that in the national team.”
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