There is a reason why soccer is called a team sport. 11 players unite together on the pitch to win the game. Then again, some moments require individual excellence. In that particular instance, the essence of the collective spirit loses its touch, and the focus turns to separate prowess. That’s exactly the moment where Sam Coffey feels she is not being ‘noticed.’

Typically, it has mostly been all the attacking positions that often garner more attention from fans and media alike. As a defensive midfielder, it’s not like Coffey has any kind of objection to this; in fact, she loves that not many are there to judge her performances or statistics accordingly. Basically, the 25-year-old likes to keep a low profile on the pitch instead.

“What I have grown to love most about the position, I think there’s so much about it that’s not noticed and overlooked and I actually love that,” began Coffey during her lengthy chat with USWNT icon and host Sam Mewis on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast. “I think it’s kind of congruent with my personality in some ways. I don’t need to be in this flashy position where you’re like the center of attention or everything that you do is kind of noticed.”

It’s not because fans won’t get to notice what kind of blunder she makes on the pitch. Rather, the Thorns superstar likes to give her 100% and let someone else take the spotlight by either playing a brilliant pass or a crucial assist. Then again, just like every other position, her role too has its own kinds of demands.

As she explained, the subtle details of playing as a No. 6, such as the intricacies of first touch, the weight and accuracy of passes, the choice of which foot to use, and even defensive positioning, are all crucial elements that define her performance. These nuanced aspects require constant attention and precision to effectively support her team, something which she has become quite fond of.

Sam Coffey has ‘grown to love’ her role at both the USWNT and Portland Thorns

Midfielder is no less the brains of the team. Always orchestrating the center half of the pitch while also being one of the connectors between the defense and attack, Sam Coffey shed light on how her role plays a deep role in helping her team win.

“There also is a selflessness to it that I really have grown to love and just that it is this kind of sneaky nuanced position that is not really talked about all that much but it is so greatly I think important to the success of the team,” Sam added.

Well, not to start any kind of debate but Coffey is the best in her league of holding midfielders. No wonder Emma Hayes gave a special mention to her once stating, They don’t make them like Sam Coffey anymore. She’s a gem.”

Indeed, this praise alone is a testament to the fact of how crucial role Sam Coffey plays for any team she represents.