When Katie Stengel joined Liverpool's ranks in January 2022, few could have predicted the seismic impact the American would go on to make at the club.
At that point, the Reds were on a Championship title charge, and signing a striker with a wealth of experience playing in a host of international leagues seemed a shrewd move.
Stengel had emerged through the American college system, graduating from Wake Forest as their all-time leading goal scorer while also starring as the USA triumphed at the FIFA U20 World Cup. A spell at Bayern Munich followed - Stengel finishing as top-scorer as the Bavarians claimed their second Frauen-Bundesliga title - before stints in the American NWSL, Australian W-League and Norwegian Toppserien.
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“Katie is different to the front players we’ve got at the club," Matt Beard said after Stengel's arrival on Merseyside, "she’s an intelligent football player who will be a real help to the team in the second half of the season.”
Indeed, the manager's prophecy quickly proved true. Stengel played an instrumental role in securing the Reds' top flight return, registering nine goals in just 12 appearances as Liverpool made their procession to the second-tier crown. Her goalscoring prowess made her an instant fan favourite but, with promotion looming, there were question marks over whether the 30-year-old could replicate her fine form in the WSL.
Any doubts about Stengel's ability were quickly quashed, as the striker's brace of penalties helped Liverpool come from behind to secure a shock victory over reigning champions Chelsea on the opening day of the season. After that game, Matt Beard heaped praise on his star striker, lauding her "unreal" work-rate and "excellent" footballing ability.
And while the Reds have at times struggled for form this term, winning just two of their first nine league games, the American's potency in front of goal has scarcely wavered. Stengel has seven goals in thirteen appearances in all competitions and is joint third on the WSL's list of top-scorers, with more goals than Chelsea's Sam Kerr and Arsenal's Vivianne Miedema.
Those statistics are particularly impressive when you consider the enormous pressure Stengel has had to shoulder in the absence of fellow attackers Leanne Kiernan and Shanice van de Sanden. Kiernan was the Reds' top-scorer last term with 14 goals but has been sidelined since September after picking up an ankle injury in the win over Chelsea.
Van de Sanden meanwhile, who returned for a second spell on Merseyside in July as Liverpool's marquee summer signing, didn't feature for the club until October and has been working her way back to fitness after sustaining an achilles problem in pre-season. But if taking up the mantle as the Reds' figurehead in attack is in any way burdensome for Stengel, the American doesn't let it show.
"Everyone can smile and have a good time when you’re winning and I think that was shown last year because everyone was happy most days but now we’re up against a big challenge," Stengel told the ECHO earlier in the season.
"When losses come, fingers start to get pointed and people start to get uneasy and stressed. But I think everyone’s held together and we all still expect high levels from everybody and trust that the team around us can do that. I think that’s been a testament to everyone's character and how strong we are as a unit so hopefully we can turn our season and start winning games."
She added: "I think it’s really important for everyone to step up and keep creating those chances and I’m hoping to be a leader in the team in any way I can."
Liverpool currently sit ninth in the WSL table, eight points clear of the league's sole relegation spot. The Reds signed off for the winter break with a superb victory over West Ham, however Matt Beard's side will face sterner tests when they return to action later this month, starting with a trip to title contenders Manchester United.
While Liverpool may still need to keep looking over their shoulders as they plough towards the business end of the season, they will be confident that - twelve months on from her January move to Prenton Park - Katie Stengel might just be the key to ensuring the their top flight survival.
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