As Mothering Sunday looms, Chelsea’s versatile defender and corner kick specialist Maren Mjelde says the person with the biggest influence on her life is... her mum.
The Blues face Bristol City Sunday as the Conti Cup final is staged at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground.
The 31-year-old Norwegian international says that her mum is still her main sounding board. "I have female role models I look up to, but especially my mum," said Mjelde, chatting on International Women’s Day this week.
"She’s my biggest inspiration; I’m probably going to go home and talk to her now."
Although Mjelde admits she still gets more specific footballing advice from her dad, she added: “My mum has always been there for me. She loves football as well.
"She has the biggest heart, and I want to be like her when I get older. She's been through difficult times; she was ill some time ago, and she came through that really well."
Mjelde added that Blues manager Emma Hayes is also a key role model. Hayes, who could pair Mjelde with Millie Bright in the centre of defence as club captain Magda Eriksson recovers from injury, pointed out: “Maren is the starting centreback for Norway, and has spent a large part of her career there. She’s played many positions for us.
“I don’t think people realise how good Maren Mjelde is. You show me any player who can play centre midfield, right back, centre back... her versatility is her strength. With her leadership, her tactical application and determination, she’s one of the most underrated players in the world.”
So, in which position does Mjelde feel most comfortable?
“I've never had one position," she told me. "I've always played where the team needs me to be and where the manager wants me to be.
"I am older now, and more experienced, but I've played right back, centre back, centre mid, everywhere in the midfield, I've played as a 10, and as a winger. It probably just leaves striker and goalkeeper!"
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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