Filippa Wallén cannot wait to begin life as a West Ham United player after signing for Matt Beard’s side.
The defender became the Irons’ second acquisition of the transfer window on Saturday, following Grace Fisk in moving to east London, and the appeal of signing for the Barclays FA Women’s Super League team was too great to resist for the 19-year-old.
“I’m really happy to join West Ham. It means a lot to be here,” Wallén told whufc.com “This is a really big step for me.
“West Ham play in the Women’s Super League, which is one of the biggest leagues in the world. West Ham is such a big club, and everyone has heard of West Ham as well. I can’t wait to get going.”
Having played professionally in her native Sweden, Wallén is excited to test herself in England.
The full-back believes the physicality and tenacity of the top flight will suit her style and will help her develop into an even better player.
She continued: “I think the WSL is going to suit me well. I like to think I am a physical player and I like to play with tenacity. I like to run a lot and I think these are perfect attributes for the league.
“The quality is going to be much higher in England too, so it will be interesting to test myself for the first time here.”
In moving to West Ham, Wallén will work alongside head coach Beard, who has been credited with developing numerous young players during his career in the game.
The young defender is eager to begin work under Beard in Claret and Blue.
“I can’t wait to work with Matt,” Wallén said. “I’ve had a great first impression of him and he has created an amazing atmosphere for his players here. I like the way he works.
“He knows I am comfortable with both my left and right foot and he told me he likes that, and he likes my work rate as a player. I like to try different things, and I’m looking forward to playing under him.”
With West Ham’s first game of 2020 set for next week, Wallén is hopeful of learning as much as she from her fellow players at the Irons and playing as much football as possible for the team.
“I hope I can play as much as possible. I want to learn as much as I can in the next few months and be in a really good place going into the next season, with a good knowledge of the English game. I can’t wait to get going.”
