Kristin Casparij is certain her first season at Man City has taken her game to a new level.
The Dutch defender, 22, arrived from FC Twente last summer, becoming a key part of Gareth Taylor's new-look side this season and is likely to head to the World Cup with her country this summer. City look set to miss out on a top-three finish and Champions League football next season, barring an unlikely goal swing to overhaul Arsenal on the final day.
But even if they have to settle for a fourth-place finish, Casparij has been one of the bright sparks for City this year, regularly impressing in her maiden WSL campaign. And she told Mirror Football the biggest difference between the domestic game in England from her native Netherlands, where she played all her club football prior, is the intense fitness levels required.
