Fresh off a historic summer for the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League is just days away from returning. It is all set to be bigger and better than ever as there are several new signings as well as an increase in season ticket sales for most clubs. Here is a list of players to watch for the new WSL season.
WSL Players to Keep an Eye on This Season
BREAKING: Arsenal are set to break the Barclays Women's Super League attendance record when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on Saturday 24 September 🤩 pic.twitter.com/opmzv8MvUy
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 5, 2022
Lauren James
https://twitter.com/laurenjamess22/status/1566136783162802176
Starting with the defending WSL champions Chelsea, several players are worth keeping an eye on for the blues. Lauren James is the pick of the bunch having finally made her England debut just a few days ago. She has impressed in pre-season under Emma Hayes and if her injuries stay away, she may well be a regular feature this season.
Esme Morgan
Alex Greenwood and Alanna Kennedy were the starting centre-backs in the latter stages of last season for Manchester City. Not only was the experienced Steph Houghton waiting in the wings but Esme Morgan too. For various reasons, the former wasn’t in Sarina Wiegman’s plans a few months back. Morgan on the other hand is just 21 and is seemingly one for the future.
Hannah Blundell
Marc Skinner on Hannah Blundell: "She has been very classy. In & out of possession she defends well. It’s a chance to see a consistent Hannah. It’s good to have a full-back that I think will give Sarina Wiegman some thoughts as well going into future [England] camps.” #MUFC
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) September 24, 2021
Whereas James went from Manchester United to Chelsea, Hannah Blundell has gone the other way. After struggling for regular minutes in the capital, she was excellent for United last term. With her on one flank and Ona Batlle on the other, Marc Skinner has a huge dual threat on his hands in the WSL.
Kyah Simon
The first foray away from English players takes us down under. Matilda’s forward Kyah Simon is very well travelled and has over 100 international caps. Simon netted three times in her first season with Tottenham and in a frontline alongside Jessica Naz and Rosella Ayane, which can cause opposition players even further problems.
Deanne Rose
6 days till Sunday, otherwise known as ᴍᴀᴛᴄʜᴅᴀʏ!
Be part of history, our largest crowd in the club's history 🙌
— Reading FC Women (@ReadingFCWomen) September 5, 2022
Canada are a very good side, but their gold medal win at the Olympics still came as somewhat of a surprise. One of their stars from Tokyo was Deanne Rose and she is entering her second season in the WSL. In her first, she helped Reading achieve a mid-table finish. She is still just 23 and the Royals seemingly have a huge talent on their hands for many years to come.
Read More: Chelsea Women Preparing ‘World Record’ Bid for French International Star
Anna Patten
Arsenal have talent by the bucketload and often this sees some fall through the cracks. Anna Patten is still on the books with the Gunners and has the chance to show off to her current employers on loan at Aston Villa. They are an ambitious outfit with Carla Ward at the helm so it seems to be an ideal fit all round.
Shanice van de Sanden
https://twitter.com/KatieAnnDuffy/status/1566761942613647362
Newly promoted Liverpool have the desire of a team that are here to stay in the WSL. A true headline signing is the arrival of Dutch legend Shanice van de Sanden. The UEFA Women’s European 2017 winner and three-time Ligue 1 Feminine champion brings so much experience on board, as well as a familiarity with the club. Prior to starring for Lyon and Wolfsburg, Van de Sanden spent a year on Merseyside.
