Océane Hurtré: Birmingham City’s record-equalling striker

Birmingham City and France striker Océane Hurtré has six goals in six Barclays WSL games. She explains the mindset, and the early years, behind her flying start.

Anyone surprised by Océane Hurtré’s remarkable start to the season clearly isn’t aware of the passion, force and previous experiences driving the livewire striker and French international to the next level.

The 22-year-old has so far scored six goals in six Barclays WSL games for newly promoted Birmingham City, matching fellow Blue Rachel Williams’ historic record for most goals scored by any player in their first six Barclays WSL matches, set in 2011.

Hurtré’s goal record comes despite having recorded just 20 touches in the opposition box all season, making her one of the league’s most clinical forwards on limited service. It also makes her the fulcrum of a team with the fastest transition speed in the Barclays WSL, with the Blues boasting a direct attacking speed of 2.04 metres per second.

“For me, football goes beyond the result; it is about pushing my limits every day,” she explains when asked about her approach to the game, and how she likes to play.

She’s certainly pushing the boundaries.

Hurtré was named Barclays WSL Player of the Month for September after scoring four goals and adding an assist in four league appearances, becoming the youngest non-British player to win the award. She has since made her senior France debut, scoring and assisting in a 9-0 win over Latvia.

Only Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw (7) has scored more this season.

It’s not just the number of goals Hurtré has scored, it’s who they’ve come against. She has netted against champions Manchester City, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Everton, and she also gave her side the lead away at Arsenal.

So what’s Hurtré’s story? And where has this form come from?

From Rennes to PSG

Born in Rennes, France, Hurtré spent her formative years moving around a number of clubs before joining Paris Saint-Germain’s fabled academy. Yet her love affair with the game started much earlier.

“I always had a ball on my feet when I was younger,” she says. However, like many girls, Hurtré found opportunities to play limited, but she discovered other ways to develop her game.

“There weren’t many opportunities, but I was lucky enough to play with the boys, which allowed me to develop faster,” she says.

“If I could change something for the next generation, it would be to develop better infrastructure and better support systems, and to give greater consideration to women’s football,” she continues. “I’m lucky, it wasn’t difficult for me to be a girl playing football because I had a pretty strong personality and was aware of my abilities, but that’s not the same for every girl.”

“Football should be a pleasure”

That strong personality is clear for all to see. However, just as important as the strength in her beliefs is that Hurtré seems to be enjoying her football and playing with a freedom that is enabling her to find prolific levels.

“For me, I try to always remind myself that football should be a pleasure above all else: that it’s a privilege to be able to do what you love every day.”

But like many players, Hurtré has also experienced rejection and tough spells on her journey. The fact she’s now finding her best form says much about her mentality.

“Even when things are tough, you must never give up,” she says. “You can’t always listen to the people around you. You have to always believe in your dreams, have self-confidence.”

Learning the English game

This is the striker’s second season in England, and though last season’s numbers gave little hint of the goals that have followed, it’s clear she learned a lot from her first season in the country.

“The French style of play is based more on possession, while the English style relies more on physicality and direct play,” she says.

Hurtré is certainly direct, and she has found a ruthless streak in front of goal. As Birmingham prepare to face Charlton Athletic in a potentially key battle at the foot of the table, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and London City Lionesses, she’ll need to keep finding those levels.

Defenders, be warned.