With controversy over many of the mainstream teams of the season for the women’s domestic top flight I thought I’d contribute my own thoughts to a growing pile of opinions. Whilst managers may balk at my unbalanced and over-attacking midfield, I have chosen a 3-4-3 to squeeze in they players I think are deserving of a place. Hopefully the number of goals this team would provide would overcome the imbalance.
Goalkeeper: Manuela Zinsberger (Arsenal)
This season’s Golden Glove winner, with 13 clean sheets from a possible 20, has been surprisingly overlooked by many pundits in their picks for the WSL team of the season. Her performances, however, deserve more consideration. Having been given the opportunity for consistent starts under Jonas Eidevall, the Austrian keeper showed demonstrable improvement this season and contributed to the best defensive record in the league.
Left Centre-Back: Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
I’ve gone with a back three for my defence, all of whom are expected to feature at this summer’s home Euros. First, Alex Greenwood who has been ever-present for Manchester City this season. Greenwood has been central to City’s resurgence not only as a reliable figure at the back but also in contributing five goals and four assists, astounding for a defensive player.
Centre-Back: Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Prior to an unfortunate hamstring injury suffered in November, Williamson was pivotal to Arsenal’s success. Playing in central defence for the Gunners contributed to Arsenal’s exceptional defensive record of conceding just 3 goals until she was ruled out with injury. Williamson’s strengths also lie in her progressive carries and pinging diagonal balls that were central to Arsenal’s emphasis of getting the ball forward quickly in a more direct approach than they have previously adopted. The upturn in Arsenal’s form on her return is not coincidental.
Right Centre-Back: Millie Bright (Chelsea)
Ever-present for this year’s champions, Bright has provided reassurance to a Chelsea team that have adopted a different defensive set-up to last year’s title winning side. Moving from a four to a three at the back and without Magdalena Eriksson for 2 months, there was every chance Chelsea’s defensive stability could be compromised. Bright has been a rock and is duly rewarded with another title.
Left Midfield: Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Manchester United pushed all the way to the final day for a Champions League qualification spot and Toone was central to those efforts. Whilst leaving my midfield slightly unbalanced, her reinvention to more central and attacking positions has allowed her to flourish this season. Joint top assist contributor and also not shy to score herself, she seems set to make the squad for this summer’s Euros.
Central Midfield: Lia Wälti (Arsenal)
Perhaps a less popular shout for team of the season in her understated brilliance, Walti’s two-footed creation has been nothing short of majestic and cannot go unrecognised. Having made more passes with her weaker foot shows her undisputed technical ability that would be the envy of any player. Her absence through injury hit Arsenal hard as they missed the creativity she provides from the middle.
Central Midfield: Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)
The goat. Play her upfront, play her at number 10, she will score and assist from anywhere on the pitch. Transfer links with Barcelona don’t appear from a lack of quality and her contributions remain exceptional despite having to adapt to a new position midway through the season. 14 goals and 8 assists prove as much and Arsenal will be delighted to secure her services for another season.
Right Midfield: Guro Reiten (Chelsea)
Having played more as a right-wing back this season, Reiten’s contributions to the WSL winners have elevated yet again this season. Her ability to pick a pass, take on an opposition defender, or fizz in a cross has aided Chelsea’s creativity this term. She’s emerged out of the shadows of the pre-eminence of Kerr, Kirby and Harder to establish herself as key to the Champions’ efforts.
Left Forward: Beth Mead (Arsenal)
With something to prove following exclusion from the GB team who travelled to Tokyo in the summer, Mead must surely have left Hege Riise ruing her decisions. Electric for Arsenal playing off both the left and right wings her attacking threat produced 11 goals and 8 assists. Even on those days where Arsenal didn’t look themselves, Mead’s tenacity was consistent and off her performances she was unlucky to not find herself with a WSL medal round her neck on the final day.
Centre Forward: Sam Kerr (Chelsea)
Was there any doubt? The league’s top scorer, winner of goal of the season, player of the season and a WSL Champion again. That last game against Manchester United epitomised Kerr’s brilliance. Chelsea were up against it going a goal down not once but twice, Kerr however was unphased to produce two astounding volleys for the second equaliser and the eventual winner – an audacious lob from outside the edge of the area.
Right Forward: Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
Despite being in a team plagued with injuries, Hemp has shone throughout the season. Her driving runs and control on the ball has helped her contribute 10 goals and 6 assists through the course of the season. Truly mesmerising to watch on the ball, she makes me scared my girlfriend might leave me. She’s sure to light up the Euros this summer.
Football Aura 