Here we got the WSL kicks off this weekend and it is safe to say here at Edge of the Area the countdown has been on for the return of the top flight action so that we could see the return of some of our favourite players. This season is bound to be an exciting one with plenty of movement throughout the transfer window with the majority of sides really strengthening their squads. Today's post is going to be split into two parts as we take a look at the players to watch this season for each team, the posts are split alphabetically so part 1 is A to E whilst the second part is L to W. So here are the players to watch for the first 6 teams alphabetically...
Arsenal
The Spaniard has joined Arsenal this season from Barcelona adding even more a threat to their already strong front line. Caldentey has already been showing the fans what she is capable of with some brilliant performances in the Women's Champions League so she is definitely one to keep an eye on this season as she could be crucial in Arsenal pushing for a top 3 finish.
Lina Hurtig
Hurtig is finally back for Arsenal after seeming to disappear last season. The issues keeping her off the pitch seem to have been resolved now and if she stays injury free we can see her becoming a bit of an impact sub for the club as with the experience in the front line she might struggle to break straight into the team.
After her return from injury last season Leah's game time was managed well although a few other knocks stopped her returning to her full potential. With another preseason under her belt we think we could start to see the return of Williamson's solid centre back performances and these again are going to play a key part in Arsenal's push for that top 3 finish.
Aston Villa
We have seen a few names move to Villa to eye up those England call ups and it seems this could be a part of why Missy Bo Kearns has moved to the club. Leaving her beloved Liverpool behind we are looking forward to seeing what impact she has on the Villa squad that is going from strength to strength each season.
Robinson's name is one that has been floating around for a while and she has had a few England call ups in the process, she has switched from Brighton to Villa this season and we think this quick winger could help Villa show they are contenders for the top end of the table. If she plays anything like she did at Brighton she could be key for getting them forwards the goals this season.
Leon has show everyone what she is capable of since moving to Villa and we can only see her progressing even more this season. Game time has been lacking in previous years for the forward but she has found her form in preseason and internationally so the potential for a stand out season is certainly there for the Canadian. With Leon and Daly upfront Villa could really be a force to be reckoned with.
Brighton & Hove Albion
We can't help but feel like this season could become a bit of a revenge season for Parris. A move to Brighton this summer could see the resurgence of Parris, or at least that is what we are hoping to see. Game time hasn't been something Parris has had a lot of lately but with this move she is bound to get more minutes each week. Keep a close eye on Parris this season as she is definitely a player with a point to prove.
Kirby is another player who made the move to Brighton in the summer and just like with Parris we believe Kirby is going to be able to thrive at her new club. This season is a fresh start for Kirby and hopefully it will stay injury/illness for her so she can prove to everyone just what she is capable of away from the Chelsea set up. With the team she will be playing with week in week out Kirby could really help Brighton cause some upsets this season.
18 year old Agyemang joins Brighton on loan for the season from Arsenal and we are hoping that we will get to see her play plenty of games for the club this season. Agyemang has the potential this season to really start making a name for herself especially with those names surrounding her. Brighton could be the perfect place to really kick start her career so let's see how this season plays out for her, we are definitely looking forward to seeing her develop.
Chelsea
Bronze is back in the WSL and this time it is somewhere other than Man City and we can't wait to see how her season at Chelsea plays out this time around as much as it pains us that she isn't back at City. Bronze is showing no signs of slowing down and is still putting in some fantastic performances however, with the quality Chelsea already have on the right she is going to have to up her game even more if she wants the maximum game time possible. Could Bronze be a crucial piece of the puzzle for Chelsea to retain the title? I guess we haven't got long to wait and see.
Sam Kerr is one to watch as she returns to the pitch from an ACL injury, granted she might not be one to watch on the pitch for a while however, you would expect to see her play some games of the 2024/25 season. Keep an eye on Kerr's recovery and how she isn't rushing to return to the pitch as with her taking her time to return you would expect her to come back stronger than ever. Even off the pitch she could help Chelsea push for retaining that title.
Bartel is another addition to the Chelsea squad from Barcelona and we are looking forward to seeing how she fits into her new team. Bartel might not be a prolific goal scorer however, she will be instrumental in creating chances for her team mates. Chelsea already have a really strong side however, Bartel's addition just adds a bit more depth to the squad and strengthens that chance of another title winning season.
Crystal Palace
It doesn't seem like two minutes ago that Stengel left Liverpool to return to the States however, she is once again back in to WSL this time though she is joining newly promoted Crystal Palace. We have seen time and time again how good of a forward Stengel is and I am sure she will be
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