Albion have a fierce competitor who never gives up in Colombian star Jorelyn Carabali.
That is according to Jose Ortiz of Caracol Radio, who has followed women’s football in Colombia for more than 20 years.
Albion secured the services of the 26-year-old earlier this month, making Carabali the first Colombian woman to sign for an English club and just the third to join a European team.
And Ortiz believes the Seagulls’ history maker is primed to make the next step in her career, this time in the Women’s Super League.
“Jorelyn is a consummate professional, who gives her all, leads by example in training, and is always trying to improve,” he said. “She can adapt to different formations and systems without any problem and can play in a back four, three, or five.
“She is disciplined and has a good defensive and offensive aerial game. While she can work on her one-on-one duels, this is a challenge she will relish.”
While the Colombian international, who played in all five games as Colombia reached the quarter-final of the World Cup before being knocked out by England, will be gearing up for her WSL debut, it is remarkable she has got this far at all.
“After starting out at Orsomarso, she was playing for Atletico Huila and they won the Colombian league but during her time there she also suffered a fracture in one of her legs and that kept her off the field for more than eight months – she believed she would never play again,” said Ortiz.
“She had to undergo surgery twice, but she was able to fight and come back to compete at a high level. This character to face adversity and bounce back with great power is reflected on the pitch.”
The 5ft 7in centre-back, who has been capped 18 times by her country and helped them reach the Copa America Femenina final in 2022, has been on an upward trajectory in recent years.
From Huila, she moved to Deportivo Cali in Colombia in 2020, won the league title in 2021, and then was recruited by Atletico Mineiro in Brazil earlier this year. Now she is set for her a new test of her credentials.
“She was outstanding in Colombian football and she is undoubtedly one of the stars of the national team,” said Ortiz. “Her level there took her to Brazil and that experienced helped her improve her level even more.
“Now, England is a great challenge. Playing with colleagues who are competing for great achievements will help her to reach her maturity as an international player.”