Leah Williamson says she is "in awe" of Arsenal teammate Rafaelle as the two international captains face off in the first women's Finalissima.
Williamson will go looking for her third trophy as England skipper when the Lionesses take on Brazil at Wembley on Thursday night. But she will be up against her centre-back partner at club level, the two having shown impressive form since the turn of the year to help Arsenal to the last four of the Women's Champions League and be right in the mix for the WSL title.
In the clash between European and South American champions, one of the duo will lift the Finalissima trophy under the Wembley arch for the first time. But Williamson is well aware of the capability of her Arsenal teammate and is wary of a different experience going up against her.
"Rafa (Souza) a bit of a warrior," she said. "As an athlete she’s head and shoulders above the rest.
"It’s the Brazilian way, and what she can do with her feet is impressive also. So, I’m in awe of her to be honest, most days. It’s a new territory being on a different team tomorrow."
Rafaelle spoke in equally glowing terms about her Arsenal teammate and revealed how she helped with he adjustment to life in Arsenal.
"Leah is a great player, I almost feel like she’s half Brazilian because she’s got the skills, she just needs to learn to Samba and she’ll be fine!
"When I first came to England what I always missed most about home was the weather. But on a sunny day she was always smiling and trying to talk to me and make me special. I'm going to try and teach her some more Portuguese so maybe one time she can come to Brazil with me."
"I told her to say that!" joked Williamson. Although the England skipper's first focus will be on Brazil, she added that the World Cup wasn't far from the England players' minds.
"I think when there is a tournament on the horizon I think all players have it in the back of your mind," she added. "Because every day you are competing for a place on the plane.
"But I think tomorrow is big enough that that is on the back of our minds going into tomorrow."
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
