As the sun set around the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, the celebrations began for Arsenal. There were shouts of joy as the weight of what they had just achieved dawned on the players, havingreached a Champions League finalfor the first time since the club last won it in 2007. Amid the euphoria, the cameras panned to the team’s leader, the normally stoic Kim Little standing there with tears in her eyes. She was soon joined by Lia Wälti who came over to her midfield colleague and wrapped her in a long embrace, a quiet moment of triumph among the mayhem.
It seemed the perfect way to celebrate the Arsenal captain, a player who has served the club for 15 seasons (across two stints) and has built her career on her understated brilliance. Little is not a vocal leader; instead, she commands the respect of those around her by letting her football do the talking.
At 34 years old and edging slightly towards the end of her career, there is still no doubt that Little remains one of the talents of her generation, one who perhaps deserves to be celebrated more frequently.
Little is the heartbeat of Renée Slegers’ side, a steady presence in the centre of the pitch who has adapted her game over the years to suit the needs of her team. Other players might catch more headlines but the former Scotland international holds the pieces of the puzzle together, quietly dictating the tempo.
On Sunday, she produced a performance for the ages, controlling the middle of the park alongside the effervescent Mariona Caldentey as they nullified the threat from the eight times European Champions. It was a display that earned her player of the match and one that reminded everyone that she still has so much to give.
“The first and only person I wanted to see was Kim,” a visibly emotional Leah Williamson said. “Kim Little is an unbelievable footballer who goes under the radar all the time. Unfortunately, the international stage didn’t provide her with any of these incredible opportunities but I think she’s a player worthy of seven or eight Champions League titles. I’m very proud that the team did that for her today.”
Her manager was equally eager to celebrate a player, who when fit is one of the first names on the teamsheet. One can only imagine how much of a help Little’s presence has been to Slegers since she took on the management role last October.
“It was such a special moment for Kim,” the Arsenal manager said. “She has been a part of the club for so long. If you see how she invests and how much she works … all the players see it and feel it. Leah Williamson said it in the huddle afterwards. This is so special that we are going to the final with her. The way she performs is incredible and it was highlighted by the player group as well.”
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There is no doubt that Arsenal will need their leader more than ever as they take on the indomitable Barcelona on 24 May. The holders are chasing down theirthird successive Champions League titleand, in their8-2 demolition of Chelsea, arguably looked even better than ever before. The burgeoning partnership between Little and Caldentey will be key if the London side are to be successful.
Caldentey has been a revelation for the Gunners since signing from the Spanish champions in the summer, adopting a deeper role while continuing to influence in front of goal. They will need to be at their very best when faced with the threats of Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas in order to control the central areas and attempt to stop Barcelona playing through the lines.
Little will inevitably lead her team on the biggest stage in European football with the same unassuming level-headedness she has displayed for years. When she walks her team out in Lisbon, she will level the club record for Champions League appearances that is held by Emma Byrne. She will not want the fuss but it is an accolade worth noting whatever the outcome. Predictably, however, it will be her teammates who will lead the charge in that respect rather than Little herself.