English women's football is leading the way - Julia Simic

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Julia Simic has played for top teams at both club and international level.

After being capped by Germany at 15, Simic went on to play for her national youth squads every year following this. Her senior debut in 2013 was a Euro qualifier against Switzerland.

In German league football, Julia was one of the most promising talents. Beginning her senior career at Bayern Munich, she won trophies in both the DFB-Pokal and the Bundesliga Cup. 105 appearances and 34 goals for the midfielder altered the top teams in the Bundesliga.

After winning trophies in 2014 with the top team, FFC Potsdam, her next big move took her to Wolfsburg for the 2015-16 season.

Wolfsburg's keenness to sign her reaped rewards as they won the title in 2017 and the DFB-Pokal three years running from 2015-17.

But it was time for a change. Simic had always dreamed of playing abroad. England was to be her next challenge.

I always had this big dream of playing abroad. I wanted to experience another culture, another language and another way of playing football.

AC Milan & ex-West Ham United footballer - Julia Simic

After turning down offers from Spain, Italy and Portugal, she opted for WSL team, West Ham.

The club's world-class facilities would influence her decision. The motivation of the players enticed Simic. Something any successful player would want when looking for new opportunities.

One of the first things she noticed (and liked) was the positivity surrounding the club. As with any foreign player, she wanted to fit in. She did her best to change the typical stereotype of the ultra disciplined German native.

West Ham would undoubtedly benefit from Simic. She would bring in her creative flair and take on a leadership role with her long-standing experience. And by all means, she did just that.

Julia helped the team to the Final of the Women's FA Cup in the 2018-19 season, unfortunately missing out to a strong Manchester City side.

Julia thrived in English football. She loved the way the players took risks, and how they went about trying to win their matches. Simic feels the 'front foot' style of play is what is going to be the norm around the world in years to come.

English football should be the new way of playing. It's fast, physical and they always play it forward.

AC Milan & ex-West Ham United footballer - Julia Simic

But 2019-20 was a tough season for Simic. Suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that she had previously been a victim of meant time on the sidelines. The long-time out nearly had Simic question her future career in football.

Once recovered she was determined to get back on the pitch. A year of rehab enabled Simic to energise her mindset. Enter the Italian team, AC Milan.

Simic will be plying her trade in Serie A from the start of the 2020 season. An inspiration to the new generation female player, she shows that playing the game with a smile on your face can take you anywhere.

Final Note

Who knows what titles Milan could have in store with Simic's tactics and experience?