Bia Zaneratto feels challenged, but comfortable.
"I'm adapting", the star striker said, before scoring a brace in her 5th NWSL appearance.
Bia Zaneratto is no stranger to the world stage, but the spotlight has shined brighter than ever during her early KC Current tenure.
Bia has been a menace internationally but her usage in Vlatko Andonovski's attack has her scoring at her highest rate since her time in South Korea with thr Hyundai Steel Red Angels.
Her tally - four goals and two assists through five matches - would see her running away with the NWSL's newcomer of the year award if not for, Current teammate, Temwa Chawinga's identical numbers.
It speaks to how Vlatko Andonovski has utilized his attacking talent, especially in the absence of perennial MVP candidate Debinha.
Vlatko mentioned monitoring the Brazilian attacker during his previous NWSL tenure, before being on the receiving end of her dashing attacks during his time with the national team, "She was at the very top of my list", Vlatko reflected last week, "I've actually known Bia for quite a long time, I've seen first hand how she can beat you.”
The respect is mutual, Bia has thrived with Vlatko's work rate driven attack, "He asks me to work hard and I can do that." Bia says, "he has had faith in me, and provided me with minutes, and it's helped me grow.”
Bia's drive to come to the NWSL was about more than what the Current could offer her in free agency. Bia specifically chose not to re-sign with Palmeiras after both -former manager - Pia Sundhage, and Marta, urged the seleção to challenge themselves in stronger leagues.”The intensity and the training, it helps you become a better player. It motivates us and how we represent our country.”
"The games are very competitive and difficult. It is still the beginning, but I'm adapting very well” Bia reflected ahead of her brace this weekend.
That intensity is why the Current are perched atop the NWSL, a feat made more incredible when you realize that Bia has yet to play with both Debinha and Lauren on the pitch at the same time.
“I really haven't been able to play with them much”, Bia quipped, “but knowing that they're here has made the adjustment easier.”
If Bia is still adapting, then the league should be on notice.
Her role is about more than just scoring, while tied for the league lead, she also leads the club in progressive passes (20) while leading the league in defensive actions in the attacking third.
It's a complete performance, one the league hasn't seen since Sophia Smith's 2022 MVP performance, but it's a performance that doesn't stand on its own.
“She has specific tasks that we ask her to complete every game, and she obviously completes thoses tasks.” Vlatko said after Saturday's 5-2 won over Bay FC. “There are many great players in this league, I don't know if ours are the best, but their chemistry together, the way they play for each other, that's why we've been successful.”
Bia joins Temwa Chawinga and Vanessa DiBernado atop the league's scoring rates, with the two newcomers moving into second place all time among players’ first five games in the league.
“I'm really enjoying my time here.” Bia concluded, “To be here, play in this stadium, to be a part of all of this, I just want to keep competing.”