The quality in the WSL is just constantly improving these days and teams are bringing in brilliant names each season to improve their squads and try compete for the title and those Champions League spots. Yes the big names coming into the league is fantastic however, a lot of the WSL players are often overlooked for those big names and their performances aren't as applauded as they should be. It has often taken players a move away from a previous club to finally get out of others shadows or injuries to others that force them into the spotlight a little bit more. Today's post is a look at my favourite players in the WSL currently and I will be honest this has taken me a lot longer than usual as I just couldn't narrow it down to my top 5 so we have ended up with a top 6 which could have gone onto a top 20 with how long it was taking me to narrow down. So here are those players who made the cut for the 2023/24 season...
Steph Catley
I have loved watching Catley play for a long time now and her time at Arsenal has only solidified how good of a player she is in my eyes. The Matilda first came to my attention whilst playing at Orlando Pride and when she announced her move to the WSL I couldn't wait to watch her play live. Since coming to the English top flight she has gone from strength to strength and has become a crucial part of Arsenal's team. Steph has had another brilliant season with the Gooner's this season and her ability to get the team into great positions has really helped keep them pushing for that final Champions League spot.
Nikita Parris
The Lionesses have been shockingly overlooking Parris and I think I am not alone in saying why? Parris has been a key part of a struggling United side this season and has found herself on the score sheet plenty of times. She has often been overlooked at the club too however, it finally seems like they have realised how crucial she is and how she can find the back of the net whilst others can't. United are nowhere near where we expected them to be this season and things would be even worse if it wasn't for Parris having her scoring boots on. She has been a joy to watch this season.
Beth England
England is one of the players who has finally found herself thriving. Her move from Chelsea to Tottenham has really paid off and finally fans are getting to see her quality rather than seeing her sat on the bench. Hayes really didn't maximize on England's potential whereas Spurs are really getting the most out of her. We have seen all season just how capable she is of finding the back of the net and also helping out in the build up plays. I am glad that England made the move last season as finally we are getting to see what she is capable of.
Jordan Nobbs
There was no way I could write this post and not include my all time favourite... Jordan Nobbs was there? Jordan is another player who made a move last season that benefited her career as she is no longer sat on the bench week after week and is getting the game time she truly deserves. She can score a beauty of a goal which we have seen a few times this season but it is her build up play and movement around the midfield that is the best. Sometimes you forget she is there as she just gets on with it then she will put in a brilliant tackle or play a brilliant ball to create a great attack. The move to Villa has done her the world of good and she has become a key part of the team.
Guro Reiten
My shirt number on the pitch is number 11 and one of the reasons for this is Reiten. Since she arrived at Chelsea I have loved watching her play and with every season she just gets better and better. Reiten is one of those players who makes a big impact in games but doesn't get half as much credit as she deserves. The winger has the pace and technical abilities to frustrate her opponents and she can get the ball into great positions for her teammates in the box. With injuries hitting the Chelsea squad Reiten is finally getting a bit more credit so let's hope people start to realise just how good she is soon.
Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw
I admit I was a bit worried when Ellen White retired as Man City didn't look to have a huge attacking threat but up stepped Bunny. Shaw has no trouble finding the back of the net and we have recently seen her break Stanway's record to become the all time top scorer for Man City Women with 68 goals in just 82 games which are quite remarkable stats. Shaw always seems to find herself in the right space at the right time and reads the play really well. She also frustrates the opposition which leads to set pieces for Man City usually in great positions. Shaw is going to be crucial in their charge for the title and as we enter the 2024/25 season, she is great to watch.
So there you have it those are my favourite players of the 2023/24 season, it is certainly getting harder to narrow down these lists and as we approach the business end of the season no doubt some of these could change but only time will tell with that one. Then we have the fun of the transfer window in the off season where yet more names could end up joining the league so no doubt next seasons installment of this post will be even harder to create. For now though let's see how these players perform for the rest of the season, especially Shaw as Man City challenge Chelsea for the title.
Who have some of your favourite players been this season?
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