Risa Shimizu was announced as City’s latest incoming of the 2024 summer transfer window, with the defender joining the Club on a three-year deal from West Ham United.
And for City fans who aren’t familiar with what Shimizu can offer, the full-back will be showcasing her abilities for her nation at the Paris Olympics.
STRIKER TURNED DEFENDER
Shimizu began her career as a striker, which is perhaps why she isn’t afraid to get up and overload the opposition’s third when City look to attack.
And a former long-distance runner, fans can expect to see Shimizu tracking back while showcasing her stamina. In the highly competitive Barclays Women’s Super League, this will be extremely helpful for City with Gareth Taylor always looking to punish tired teams near the end of games.
Shimizu is also a confident one-v-one defender who isn’t afraid of going shoulder-to-shoulder with any winger in the WSL.
SHIMIZU: NEED TO KNOW
Since her national team debut for Japan in a 2-0 triumph over Switzerland in October 2017, the 28-year-old has gained a wealth of tournament experience at the 2018 Algarve Cup, 2018 Asian Games, 2019 World Cup, 2020 Olympic Games and 2023 World Cup.
Shimizu has earned 79 appearances for Japan over seven years and has scored four goals for her nation.
Alongside her 44 appearances in two season with West Ham, Shimizu will add a wealth of experience to Taylor’s team.
CITY CONNECTIONS
Shimizu won’t be the only City player representing Japan this summer, Yui Hasegawa received the nod to represent their nation also.
The 2024/25 season will be the first time Hasegawa has had a fellow Japanese player at the Club since she joined City in 2022.
But Shimizu and Hasegawa have been connected for much longer, the duo progressed through the ranks together at Tokyo Verdy Beleza as young stars looking to make their way towards professional football.
Now, Shimizu is looking forward to linking up with Hasegawa once again.
“I’ve played for quite a long time with Yui, I’m really looking forward to it.
“Just like Yui, I want to become a crucial part of this team and win. She told me that it’s an incredible club and team.
“It’s a new experience playing with these players, but one I’m excited for. I want to be at the same level as them or even higher.
“I know City is a top team and I’m here to give my best at every opportunity. I want to prove myself to the team.”
OLYMPIC SCHEDULE
Japan have been placed in Group C with Spain, Brazil and Nigeria.
The times and venues for their games are as follows:
Spain v Japan | 16:00 (UK) | Thursday 25 July | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Brazil v Japan | 16: 00 (UK) | Sunday 28 July | Parc des Princes, Paris
Japan v Nigeria | 16: 00 (UK) | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
