‘There have been ups and downs, but I’ve learned and grown as a player’, says Brighton’s Maria Thorisdottir

MARIA THORISDOTTIR says her time in English football has been a “roller coaster”.

But now the centre-back, 30, is thriving at Brighton, seven years after leaving her comfort zone and moving to England from Norwegian club Klepp.

PAMaria Thorisdottir hopes Brighton will have better luck against Man Utd in the FA Cup following a narrow 3-2 semi-final loss to them last year[/caption]

GettyThe Norway ace is enjoying life with the Seagulls and a consistent role as a centre-back for the team[/caption]

Thorisdottir, whose Albion side play her old club Man Utd in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-final later, is among the WSL’s more experienced pros.

The Norway defender made 94 Chelsea and Red Devils appearances prior to her move to the south coast last summer.

She said: “I’ve been here for a long time and on a journey from 2017.

“This is one of the best leagues in the world at the moment, especially in Europe.

“For me, there have been some ups and downs and a lot of challenges.

“But I’ve learned a lot and I’ve grown as a player.

“I’ve played different positions, played in different teams and had to adapt a lot to changes. But right now, I’m just loving it.”

September 2017 was when Thorisdottir, took the plunge and decided to leave Klepp, the side where she got her first experience of football at a senior level.

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The Norwegian club, based in a seaside town that shares its name, was a team she expected to play for “forever”.

Her first taste of life in the women’s game here was a three-year stint at WSL giants Chelsea.

The player, born in the city of Stavanger in southwest Norway, made 26 appearances in her first season helping them win a league and FA Cup double.

However, injuries and surgery on her ankle, disrupted the later stages of her Blues spell with the player leaving for Man United in January 2021 before joining Albion last August.

Thorisdottir, who has 68 senior international caps, added: “Coming to Chelsea first was a big step from my home club (Klepp).

“I never thought of moving away from Norway at all.

“I was always thinking I’m going to stay at home and play for Klepp the whole of my life.

“But I felt ready to try something new and going to Chelsea was a big step.

“I went there as a centre-back, but I didn’t really play centre-back that much. I played in other positions and had to adapt.

“I moved to United and was brought in by Casey (Stoney the club’s former boss) as a centre-back but played more as a full-back.

“Then Marc (Skinner) came in and it was more of the same.

“At Brighton, I have played in one position. With consistency in one position, it gives you confidence and you grow as a player.

“You kind of wish that happened before but there’s also positives to playing in different positions. It’s been a roller coaster, but I have enjoyed it.

“I’m not the loudest (player), but I do like to help lead the team in a quieter way.”

A roller coaster would describe the ride Brighton have been on this term with the sacking of former women’s boss Mel Phillips after ten months in charge.

Last season under their old boss the team won their fight to avoid the drop last term finishing five points above and one place above relegated Reading.

The Seagulls also pushed Man Utd all the way in the battle for an FA Cup final spot losing 3-2 to Marc Skinner’s side.

And they picked up a surprise 1-0 away win in the league against United’s second-placed title chasing neighbours Man City last November.

A performance that led Phillips to describe Thorisdottir as a player who functions as a coach on the pitch.

The Norway star added: “It’s always an honour to get comments like that from a manager.

“I have learned a lot along the way so it’s nice especially to help players around you

“I’ve known myself when I was younger, how important it was (being around) the players that were experienced at that time.

“Being a role model, or at least someone that can step up, and help is important.”

GettyToday’s clash between Albion and the Red Devils will see Thorisdottir face her old club in the FA Cup for the first time[/caption]

Brighton, who were from second bottom at the time of Phillips’ departure have moved up to ninth under interim gaffer Mikey Harris.

This evening the Seagulls take on a United side who have faltered in the WSL this term and are currently nine points off a Champions League spot.

Her old club’s 1-1 draw with West Ham in the top last Sunday has seen Red Devils boss Skinner come in for criticism from fans.

And the FA Cup quarters duel follows Brighton’s 7-3 drubbing of Bristol City last Sunday.

GettyMikey Harris wants Albion to build on their 7-3 thrashing of Bristol, one of their biggest match wins of the season so far[/caption]

Thorisdottir’s team had six different players on the scoresheet including her Norwegian compatriot Elisabeth Terland.

She added: “United have been up and down this season, but we know they are a good team.

“They really want to win a trophy, and this is their chance. We’re going to do everything we can to beat them. But it’s going to be tough.”