Great Dane! Stine Larsen signs for Aston Villa Women

Aston Villa Women have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Stine Larsen from FC Fleury 91.

Words: Regan Foy | @findfoy

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Aston Villa Women have picked up another signing for their debut season in the FA Women’s Super League, signing Denmark international Stine Larsen from FC Fleury 91.

The 24-year-old, who leaves France after a single season, joins with 45 international caps to her name and experience within the Champions League and European Championships.

This signing compliments Aston Villa Women’s approach and Stine will now be the third striker at the club, likely pushing youngster Shania Hayles futher down the pecking order with Portuguese international Diana Silva also signing this summer.

Larsen joined Brondby IF at the age of 12, before spending six years at senior level and scoring 35 goals in 79 appearances for the side, with fans labelling her as an ‘important player’.

For Denmark, she has scored 13 goals in her 45 appearances. Her debut came in 2015 in a draw against New Zealand.

Stine began her career as a defender, but the versatile player was named as a forward in the UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2017 – which has seen her take up both positions for clubs since.

She has won the Elitedivisionen in Denmark twice, the Landspokalturneringen – the Women’s version of Denmark’s FA Cup – three times and came as a runners-up in the aforementioned European Championship on the international stage.

In terms of individual accolades, Larsen has picked up Danish Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2015, and won the Elitedivisionen Player of the Year in 2018.

Gemma Davies, the Head Coach at Aston Villa Women spoke highly of Stine to club media:

“She’s a young Danish forward, a traditional number nine who likes to operate inside the 18-yard box.”

“Dominant aerially and with her feet, she has an eye for goal and we’re excited to see how she continues to develop in a claret and blue shirt.”

Upon joining, Stine Larsen expressed that she is ‘excited’ and ‘honoured’ to join Aston Villa Women, stating that it’s a great time to be joining the club after their Championship win, and that she can’t wait to start in such a competitive league.

“The English league is so competitive – the best teams are in France – but here it seems like every team is good.”

“I can’t wait to contribute and be a part of the journey this club is on.”

Stine becomes the second Scandinavian arrival at the club today, with Johan Lange announced as the club’s new Sporting Director this morning.