Spanish international full of praise for new signing Sarah Wiltshire and discusses family culture in squad

Lucia Leon says Tottenham Hotspur Ladies will draw on the positives of last year’s quadruple-winning promotion season, but is adamant Karen Hills’ side won’t rest on their laurels.

The Lilywhites made it two wins from two in pre-season with a 4-0 friendly success over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday ahead of their debut campaign in the FA Women’s Super League 2.

Welsh international Sarah Wiltshire took her summer tally to four with a brace, while Wendy Martin and Kelley Blanchflower were also amongst the goals.

And the Spanish international Leon is excited with what she’s seen so far, and feels the squad possess enough talent to hold their own in the upper echelons of the women’s game.

She said: “Fitness wise we already feel a lot better physically, obviously we did our off-season work-out, but it’s not the same as being back with the girls.

“I believe we’re going to be very strong physically, technically and mentally. We have quality players that will make us competitive in this league and I think it’s going to be a great season.

“We’re getting used to playing with the new players – it’s not really a new team which could play a factor this season – but there’s a couple of players who are playing for the first, second time with us and it’s been really good.”

Leon added: “We looked comfortable and dominated the game on Sunday. Our goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne hardly touched the ball.

“West Brom were organised, but we did well. It was very important to get a few goals in like we did, and we can’t wait until the next game and for the season to start now.”

The full-back admitted Spurs have to begin from scratch, adding: “We’re in a different league now, so the competition is going to be different, but games like this will only help to build our confidence.

“What we did last year was excellent, but we have to start from zero and try and finish as high as possible and start strong. We’ve been doing well so far in pre-season, and I believe we’re going to have a really good and strong team for the season.”

Leon and Wiltshire look as though they’ve developed an early telepathic understanding, and the defender waxed lyrical about what the summer addition brings to the squad.

She said: “It was the first time we played together on the wing, she doesn’t normally play there, but we spoke before the match and we had a good understanding of each others game.

“We just knew where each other were – to be honest it felt like we’ve been playing together our whole lives – I’m very happy with our understanding.

“Everything that you give her she’ll deal with it and get on with the game, she’s a great player and can adapt, as you’ve seen.”

The athletic full-back also shed light on the family culture which saw the club to its best-ever season – and alluded to the importance of keeping the fundamentals right.

“I’ve been here for longer, but even the new girls can tell you that they’ve been welcomed from the first day,” said Leon.

“We always like to talk with everyone, and I think when you’re a new player this is one of the best teams to come into.

“Sarah, and a couple of the other girls, already feel part of the family and it’s going to carry on like that.

“Everyone is together and that is why we won so many trophies last season and the season before, and is also why we won so many games, because of that family environment.

“Everyone understands each other, we all work hard for each other outside and on the pitch – it just makes a difference and that’s why we’re such a team.”