‘Hungry’ Vignola’s dream debut shows Everton potential

Ornella Vignola made her debut on the Women’s Super League stage with an “exceptional performance.”

She scored three goals in her Everton debut against city rivals Liverpool at their iconic Anfield stadium.

The 20-year-old scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory, marking the first Evertonian to score three in a Merseyside derby since the legendary Dixie Dean in September 1931.

Vignola was one of nine additions to Everton’s squad during a significant summer transfer window, joining from Spanish side Granada.

After struggling for several years and finishing fifth overall in the 2020-21 campaign, Brian Sorensen’s side have ambitions to move up the table and finally start making a dent in the Women’s Super League.

Vignola appears to be the best of the bunch, and The Friedkin Group has now been able to invest in the squad to advance.

The forward, who was born in Uruguay but has played for Spain at the youth level, said, “I’m really happy to have started the season that way, especially here against Liverpool.”

Cornelia Kapocs gave Liverpool a late lead at Anfield, and they were well on top.

However, Vignola’s magical moment in the 24th minute brought her side back into the fray.

The ball was headed past goalkeeper Faye Kirby from a close angle after she carried it past Ceri Holland, who was halfway in Liverpool’s area.

Everton needed the spark, and Katja Snoeijs’ header on the stroke of half-time put them 2-1 up on the break despite being significantly overplayed.

Brian Sorensen, the manager of the Toffees, acknowledged that “there are things that happen in football that can change a game at the flip of a coin.” She returned us from a profound place.

I anticipated our return to that time. The game was changed by that moment, in my opinion.

And how Everton resurrected. At half-time, Sorensen changed things up by adding more defensive experience and the club record signing Ruby Mace.

Nine minutes after the restart, Vignola, who made two appearances for Barcelona at the beginning of her career, was prepared for the opportunity.

In just as many minutes, she scored both. Everton were suddenly 4-1 up and well on the verge of extending their unbeaten streak to eight games.

Did Sorensen anticipate that Vignola would have an impact?

” No! He continued, “Not three goals from her.” I started her because I had anticipated her to score. She excelled in training, and she has always done that.

She excels in both her face-to-player interaction and her well-timed runs. She merely desires to score.

Everton’s season started off with a win in the Merseyside derby, which gave the women’s team a winning start to the season.

After playing for Vignola, Dutch forward Snoeijs praised her for having “an amazing impact” and claiming that she had scored more goals.

But Sorensen hoped Vignola would be able to maintain a level head after such a visionary beginning.

It’s difficult to predict when you’re that young, he said. It’s all about the players being consistent. That was the theme of the summer.

How can we create a team that can develop young players with high value? We have a very good player on our hands, Vignola, if she can continue to do so week after week after week.

She gorges on food every day. She works really quietly until she almost passes away. I’m not concerned about it.

The youngster has spent two years at Barcelona before making appearances at Sevilla, Alaves, and Granada, but has never played football outside of Spain.

Vignola has primarily played as a winger for Everton, but he was the club’s number nine after impressing in the wing during the pre-season.

She has been fantastic. Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley said on BBC Radio 5 Live that she also scored two goals in the pre-season for Everton.

She has a young winger with speed, energy, and skill. She can quickly chop inside on her left and take the ball on her right.