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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

Chelsea star Sam Kerr named FWA Women's Footballer of the Year for second time

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr has been named the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year for the 2022-23 season.

The Australia international claims the prize for the second year running, with Manchester City hotshot Erling Haaland picking up the Men's award.

Kerr has had another fantastic campaign for Chelsea, playing a key role in their WSL title chase.

She also helped her side reach the Conti Cup and FA Cup final, the latter will be contended this Sunday. Chelsea also reached the Champions League semi-finals before they were knocked out by Barcelona and Kerr contributed five goals across their European campaign.

The Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year award was first introduced at the end of the 2017-18 season and the inaugural prize was won by Chelsea's Fran Kirby. Since then, it's been claimed by Kirby a second time as well as Vivianne Miedema, Nikita Parris and Kerr.

Kerr has scored 10 goals in the WSL this season as she sits behind Manchester City 's Khadija Shaw and Aston Villa 's Rachel Daly. She's scored 27 goals in total across all competitions this term.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has praised the forward on numerous occasions this season, not least when Kerr scored the only goal against Villa to book their place in the FA Cup final last month. "We can talk all day about the millions of things we can improve, but I would rather have the most efficient player in the world than someone who has a million chances," Hayes said.

Sam Kerr of Chelsea celebrates after scoring a penalty during a penalty shoot out during the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg match against Olympique Lyonnais at Stamford Bridge (Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

"It’s unbelievable. I have never seen a centre-forward move as much as her. It’s not a single movement, it’s a double movement. Next time you watch her play, watch us in transition and see who makes the first movement. It’s always Sam.

"Even if she goes in an offside position, she doesn’t stay still. She is a nightmare to defend. She can do it running across you, on your back shoulder.

"Her energy levels are like a 12-year-old. She is infectious. I don’t know a striker in world football who can do what she does. She’s the best."

John Cross, Chair of the FWA and Chief Mirror Football writer said: "It said everything about how Sam Kerr is held that she was carrying the Australian flag at the Coronation last weekend. That's how much she's respected as an icon of sport Down Under.

"She's not the first to win it twice, but she's the first to win it in consecutive years. What an amazing achievement and example she is as a winner."

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