MICHELLE AGYEMANG took just 41 seconds to produce a moment of world-class magic that wowed fans watching England in the Nations League.
On a disappointing night with the Lionesses' 3-2 loss to Belgium on April 8, her stunning volley on her senior debut was a bright spot.
With blighted by injuries to some of their key forwards, the 19-year-old’s emergence is very timely for boss
Her squad have had rotten luck with injuries recently with Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Lauren James withdrawing from the team’s April international camp.
And Lauren Hemp has been out of action last November following a knee op, although the forward is back training on grass.
With these fitness concerns, Agyemang’s goalscoring cameo in the Nations League could prove significant for the Euros titleholders.
On July 5 the Lionesses will kick-off their bid to remain European championswhen they take on France.
Wiegman’s side are in a ‘group of death’ which includes 2017 Euros champions the Netherlands and contest debutants Wales.
With the tournament’s start in Switzerland less than three months away Agyemang has provided Wiegman with a fresh option as either a nine or in a wing position.
And with her game-changing capability and threat in front of goal she has made a case for England squad consideration for the Euros.
Among those with high hopes for the future of the striker, currently on loan at from is Gunners legend Kelly Smith.
The England icon, who trains the club's WSL forwards, to make her mark.
Last August Smith, who scored 125 goals in 144 Arsenal games, said: “What I like about Michelle’s strengths is her hold-up play is really good.
“She's physical, aggressive and got a fantastic shot on her.
“The fans always like to see a home-grown player do really well.
“It's a credit to Arsenal, the academy staff and structure we have to develop these players and bring them through.”
Here is a look at Agyemang's football journey and some of the moments that fuelled her rise.
Hale End journey
Agyemang standout cameo for the Lionesses will not have come as a surprise to those who monitored her progress at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy.
The technically versatile and robust forward, who grew up in Southend, Essex, joined the Gunners’ youth set-up at the age of six.
During her earliest years there she would play matches with the boys’ Under-7s side, initially in central defence, before specialising as a forward.
While playing for Arsenal’s Academy league side in the 2022-23 season Agyemang netted 19 goals in 11 appearances.
And her efforts helped the young Gunners end that season as Academy League champions with a five-point lead over runners-up
Senior Arsenal debut and rise through England’s ranks
In November 2022 Agyemang made her senior club debut at 16 coming on in the 77th minute of the team’s 4-0 win away againstin the WSL.
Her first senior goal for the Gunners would follow two months later during a 9-0 FA Cup fourth round demolition of Leeds.
Just as she did for England, Agyemang showed her knack for making an almost instant impact straight off the bench.
It took her just four minutes to find the back of the net after coming on as a 76th-minute substitute.
In 2023 Agyemang was named in the young Lionesses’ side that competed in the Women’s Under-17 Euros.
She netted four times during the contest in May that year with her team reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by Spain.
Ex-Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall suggested the then 17-year-old had the tactical and technical knowhow that “outmatched”; other players in her age group.
And Agyemang demonstrated this a year later helping England’s youth players reach the semis of the Women’s Under-19 Euros.
In May 2023, then Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “Michelle has a tactical and technical level and also a physical level that outmatches players at U17 level.
“She can do that at senior level too. What she is doing (at the U17 Euros) is no surprise to me at all.”
Bright spark for Brighton
Last May Agyemang took a significant step in her club career signing her first professional contract with Arsenal.
The striker’s first pro deal followed her building up her game time as a dual-registration player with Watford FC after joining them in August 2023.
The first three months of Agyemang’s Golden Girls stint were hampered by injury with the striker sidelined by a knee problem.
However the player would make a goalscoring comeback in December that year netting in a 6-0 FA Cup third round dismissal of Southampton.
The fourth round of the contest that season would see Watford take on the Gunners with Agyemang starting against the Gunners.
And while the Golden Girls were trounced 5-1 Agyemang made her mark scoring the team’s only goal in that game last January.
Former Watford Women’s boss Damon Lathrope, now assistant manager of the club’s men’s side, told Gooner Fanzine: “Michelle is an absolute super talent.
“She's physically on a different planet, to be honest, and she ticks a lot of boxes.
“She's technically very efficient. She's a very good finisher, really powerful, quick and mobile.”
This season has seen Agyemang clock up minutes in the Women’s Super League after joining Brighton on a one-term loan.
But while the Albion loan ace has made 14 top-flight appearances from the bench she is yet to make her first start in the league for the Seagulls.
Having impressed Wiegman’s England, it would be a surprise if the forward does not feature in Brighton’s first eleven before the end of this season.
