After Chelsea clinched their fourth consecutive WSL title with a 3-0 win at Reading on Saturday we look at how the players contributed
Goalkeepers
Ann-Katrin Berger Consistent in goal throughout, conceding just nine times in 15 league games. Multiple important saves across the season and the shootout star of the dramatic Women’s Champions League win over Lyon alongside Maren Mjelde. What she has gone through off the pitch, recovering from a recurrence of thyroid cancer, makes her performances all the more impressive. 8
Zecira Musovic Has had to settle in the role as Chelsea’s No 2 once again with only seven league starts this campaign. Reliable back-up when called upon. 7
Defenders
Magdalena Eriksson A stalwart in defence over her six years at the club, she struggled early on with rumours swirling around her potential departure. Since January, though, she has returned to form, creating a perhaps unpredictably strong partnership with Mjelde over the last few months. She will head for pastures new but scoring on her home send-off seemed written in the stars. 8
Kadeisha Buchanan Her high-profile arrival from Lyon promised much but her first season has had its challenges. Her competitive debut was shaky, conceding a penalty against Liverpool, and her struggles have continued. Progress not helped by an injury picked up against Lyon that kept her out of action in the run in. 7
Niamh Charles Missing out on the Euros would shake most players but she returned this season more determined than ever. Her versatility is key – played either side as full-back, wing-back and in attack. Reliable, strong in transition, and with an eye for goal. Strong performances have translated to the WCL, where she is regularly called on. 8
Millie Bright Injury unfortunately curtailed her season but before that she was the glue that held Chelsea’s defence together. One of Emma Hayes’s leaders in the dressing room, she is a commanding presence, no-nonsense in a challenge and possesses the ability to turn defence into attack with remarkable accuracy. 9
Ève Périsset Arriving in the summer, the transition to WSL football has not always looked easy. Thirteen leagues starts, sharing minutes with Charles in the right-back role, she has looked more settled since January and her physicality is improving. Plenty of promise for the years ahead. 7
Jess Carter Took time to get going this season. Not a regular starter in the league but her development has been noteworthy. Played as a left-back and central defender and looks particularly comfortable when put in a back three. Caught the eye against Barcelona and Lyon. 8
Maren Mjelde Has largely had to watch from the sidelines this season but brilliant when called upon. Centre-back partnership with Eriksson has thrived of late. Her composure from the spot, twice, sent Chelsea through to the WCL semi-finals. 7
Aniek Nouwen Signed a new contract in January but spent the second half of the season out on loan at Milan after only one league start. 5
Alsu Abdullina Made just six appearances off the bench. Rumoured loan moves never transpired. 5
Midfielders
Guro Reiten Without doubt, Chelsea’s player of the season. At times understated, the Norwegian has gone from strength to strength, developing into one of the most potent and intelligent wide players in the league. Ever-present, the accuracy of her delivery has helped her lead the WSL in assists (11) and she has chipped in with an impressive nine goals. 10
Erin Cuthbert Her move from wing-back to central midfield has been seamless. Integral to Chelsea’s success, she’s the engine that makes everything tick. Unceasingly competitive and consistent, her drive to improve is evident. Scored her 50th goal for the club against Leicester this month. 10
Sophie Ingle There were questions about her future last summer but once again she was consistent in midfield. Signed a new contract with the club in December. Has had slightly less game time this year but performance level has remained high. She provides strong protection while also chipping in with goals and assists. 8
Melanie Leupolz Returned from maternity leave in January to sign a new deal. Has found her feet once again, rebuilding relationships with her fellow midfielders and improving game by game. A broken nose against Lyon did not hamper her progress. 7
Jessie Fleming Has perhaps caught the eye less than last season after a slow start but her influence has still been felt, especially in recent months. Her versatility is a key weapon for Hayes who has praised the work she has done to match the league’s physicality. A new contract in November shows her value. 7
Jelena Cankovic Made a strong impression when called upon in her first season in a Chelsea shirt. Hit the ground running in December, scoring her first two goals against Reading. 7
Katerina Svitkova Arrived from West Ham in the summer to bolster the midfield. Surgery on a knee injury kept her out for much of the season. 5
Forwards
Sam Kerr By her high standards, this season probably will not register as her best. Remains a big-time player made for the most important moments. In the absence of Kirby and Harder, and the transfer of England, she has shouldered the attacking responsibility with 12 league goals, 5five assists, and a never-ending abundance of energy. 9
Lauren James One of the most technically gifted players in the game. Fully fit at the start of the season, she hit the ground running with eye-catching performances. Possesses a rare ability to make the sport look easy and has built a strong partnership with Kerr, chipping in with five league goals. Performances tailed off slightly but at just 21, she’s Chelsea’s star for the future. 9
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd Joining in the summer from Häcken, the 26-year-old Swede has had to settle for a role on the bench. With just seven league starts, she has struggled to make her mark on the right with James in front of her. 6
Pernille Harder Despite missing much of the season with a nasty hamstring injury, her status as one of the world’s best players is clear to see. Has thrilled Chelsea fans since her return, with five goals in the last five league games. The key behind Chelsea’s FA Cup victory. Will be missed at the club next season. 8
Fran Kirby Another disrupted season. Strong start but illness and a knee injury suffered against West Ham in February has kept her out for large spells. 6
Bethany England Spent first half of the campaign on the bench as back up to Kerr. Two league goals in eight appearances. Made high-profile move to Tottenham in January in search of game time. 6
