Jill Roord: The Versatile Midfield Dynamo Elevating Club and Country
Over the last five years, Jill Roord has established herself among the elite players in women’s football, leaving her mark on club and international stages alike. Her starring roles at VfL Wolfsburg—where she played a pivotal part in their journey to the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final—and for the Netherlands, especially in their run to the 2019 World Cup final, have cemented her reputation as a modern midfield powerhouse. As she enters her prime and joins Manchester City, Roord is poised to remain integral to both club and country’s ambitions.
Roord’s Evolution: Key Player for Wolfsburg and the Netherlands
Since her breakthrough, Roord has continually impressed with consistent high-level performances for VfL Wolfsburg, blending creativity and tactical discipline to help the club reach the pinnacle of European football. On the international front, her relentless drive and vision fuel the Dutch midfield, making her indispensable, particularly during major tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Recently, as Roord prepares for her next challenges with Manchester City, her growing influence within both domestic and international setups becomes even more clear. Her development from a promising young talent into a leader and tactical linchpin sets the stage for an analysis of what distinguishes her game.
Unmatched Attacking Adaptability
Roord’s most notable asset is her remarkable ability to thrive in a range of attacking positions. During the 2022-23 season, she showcased her flexibility by frequently operating as a number 8—a box-to-box midfielder—alongside Lena Oberdorf, who held the deeper role. This strategic shift by Wolfsburg manager Tommy Stroot allowed Roord to maximize her energy and attacking instincts while accommodating the squad’s offensive strength.
Her movement along the left half-space, adept use of both feet, and willingness to shoot from distance make her a persistent threat from central areas. Heat maps from the Bundesliga reflect her tendency to cover significant ground, often distributing play wide or breaking forward to shoot. This versatility ensures she can seamlessly adapt to various game plans and formations, whether tasked as a creative 10, an industrious 8, or even as a winger when the tactical setup demands.
For the Netherlands, this adaptability becomes vital. With a crowded central midfield featuring stars like Jackie Groenen and Danielle van de Donk, Roord is often deployed out wide in a 4-3-3, taking advantage of her attacking prowess in areas where the team lacks depth. She’s also a natural fit as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1, where her defensive intensity and pressing ability stand out.
- Comfortable in both central and wide roles
- Excellent in linking play and initiating attacks
- Takes initiative to shoot from range, posing additional threat
- Can press effectively and recover possession high up the pitch
Physicality and Impact: A Midfield Enforcer
Roord stands apart from many attacking midfielders because of her unique blend of physical and technical qualities. Her aggressive pressing, stamina, and strength consistently disrupt opponents and create opportunities for her side. In the 2022-23 campaign, she averaged 0.92 tackles in the attacking third per game, outperforming every other midfielder or winger in the top women’s leagues (source: FBRef).
Complementing her defensive work rate is her proficiency in carrying the ball. Roord completed an average of 2.4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes with a striking 64% success rate, according to Wyscout. Her quick acceleration and sharp turns allow her to beat defenders in tight spaces and transition swiftly into attack.
Importantly, Roord is adept at knowing when to drive forward into space—either to create goalscoring opportunities for herself, or to drag defenders out of position and open lanes for teammates. Her intelligence in timing late runs into the box also enhances her scoring ability beyond outside shots, establishing her as an effective penalty-area presence.
Goal Threat and Aerial Prowess
Though deployed often as a deeper-lying midfielder, Roord averaged 0.4 goals per 90 minutes last season—a notable tally for her role. Her penchant for long-range efforts increases the chances of rebounds and secondary opportunities, creating additional danger for opposing defenses.
A significant asset, especially in international competition, is Roord’s aerial dominance. With a 67% aerial duel win rate, she outpaces all her midfield and wing counterparts among the top eight women’s leagues, providing a reliable option for set pieces and crosses—an area of heightened importance considering the Netherlands’ lack of a typical target striker in Vivianne Miedema’s absence.
- 0.4 goals per 90 minutes as a midfielder/8
- High volume of shots from distance creates rebound threats
- 67% success rate in aerial duels
Filling the Gap Left by Star Absentees
As the Netherlands embark on another major tournament without Vivianne Miedema, Roord’s multifunctionality and physical style offer a crucial solution, both as a creative force and a direct scoring threat. Whether leading the press from the 10, stretching defenses from the wing, or providing a box presence in late-game situations, she brings the kind of versatility and tenacity that the Dutch will heavily rely on.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Jill Roord
Jill Roord’s combination of tactical intelligence, physicality, and technical skill makes her a standout performer on any team sheet. Her dynamic presence and versatility allow managers to deploy her in multiple roles, enhancing both offensive structure and defensive resilience. As she steps into her prime years at Manchester City and with the Dutch national team, Roord is primed to remain a key influencer on the women’s football landscape—driving both club and country toward their loftiest goals.
