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One of the most promising young Tottenham Hotspur Women players has committed her future to the club. Today, Spurs Women announced that England U19 international Jessica Naz has signed a new contract through the 2022 season with an option to extend for a further year.
We are delighted to announce that Jessica Naz has signed a new contract! #SpurHerOn ⚪ #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) February 26, 2021
Naz came up through the youth ranks at Tottenham but left for rivals Arsenal. One of the most exciting young players at Tottenham, she returned to Spurs in 2018, but missed the entirety of the 2019-20 season after suffering a serious ACL injury sustained that summer. Spurs have been slowly introducing her back to action over the course of this season, and especially since Rehanne Skinner took over. The club says she’s back to full fitness now and should be a significant contributor for Spurs going forward.
In a press release on Tottenham’s website, Naz said she’s pleased to be staying at Spurs in the coming years.
“I’m thrilled to sign a new contract and, in a way, it comes as a bit of a relief as well.
“During my rehab, I didn’t want to put any extra pressure on myself or think about my future – my priority was getting back to fitness. Now my future has been decided and I’m getting minutes, my focus is on getting back to the level I was at before my injury.
“When Rehanne (Skinner, Head Coach) came in, it was another boost for me because she’s seen me perform at my best with England at the Euros in 2019, so she knows what I can bring to the team and is challenging me to get back consistently to my previous level.”
“My confidence and belief is growing every day and that’s down to Rehanne, the staff and the team around me. There is so much quality in this team and I am proud of how far we have come. I feel like we as players are such a tight-knit group and like a family. We all have different strengths and are pushing each other to perform at our best.
“As a forward, your desire is to score goals and provide assists and I want to help the team win however I can.”
With Alex Morgan back in the USA and Rianna Dean somewhat misfiring this summer, there’s an opening for Naz to establish herself either at striker or as wide forward this season. She’s got the skills and now has the fitness — now she needs an opportunity to shine. Hopefully she’ll get that going forward.
Spurs Women’s next match is this coming Sunday when they host Everton at The Hive. Kickoff time is 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST.