Who would make it into your TOP 10 WSL performers for the 2015 season? It’s not easy is it?!
I got asked to compile a Top Ten Players in WSL for this season for the Independent on Sunday (before last Sunday’s final round of games). They used it in print but for some reason nowhere to be found online. It was very difficult to narrow it down and there are some names that I think quite a few of you might agree that should have been in there (Lindahl, Fahey, Dowie, Jill Scott, Duggan, Parris, Clarke etc.) I also tried to maintain some balance of teams etc. Basically, we thought you might be interested and would love to know your thoughts… and please pull it apart – these things are for debating!
We also want you to share your top tens, so make a list & we will ask you to list them either below or on Twitter or via Facebook, tomorrow.
Here goes, in reverse order (drum roll please) …
10. Kerys Harrop, Birmingham City (centre back)
Has brought an understated consistency and calm to the centre of defence, during a season in which Blues were down-on-their-luck for lengthy spells.
9. Mary Earps, Bristol Academy (goalkeeper)
Basement side Bristol Academy started 2015 poorly but have gamely battled on and improved – several scorelines could have been higher without Earps’ brave and acrobatic displays.
8. Alex Greenwood, Notts County (full back)
Left footed Greenwood’s ability to deliver shots and dangerous crosses sees her leading the league in assists, alongside speedy forward Jess Clarke, has been County’s standout performer.
7. Casey Stoney, Arsenal (centre back)
The evergreen central defender continues to shine and lead by example, revelling in the partnership with newcomer Jemma Rose and excelling in the Gunners’ solid back line.
6. Ji So-Yun, Chelsea (midfield/forward)
With Liverpool’s Fara Williams missing the second half of the season due to injury, the unselfish South Korean playmaker Ji takes sole claim of the moniker ‘league’s classiest technician’ and remains a footballing joy to watch.
5. Steph Houghton, Manchester City (centre back)
The Lionesses’ captain has also skippered and marshalled City’s strong defence, turning in impressive individual displays (adding three important league goals), as the team’s true quality has emerged in the second half of the season.
4. Gilly Flaherty, Chelsea (centre back)
Another leader on the field, with guts, guile and crucial goals from set pieces, Gilly and co have created a sturdy stability upon which Chelsea’s flair filled forward line can flourish.
3. Izzy Christiansen, Manchester City (midfield)
Jill Scott played a key role in the side’s pre World Cup break displays but an effervescent Christiansen has increasingly provided the bustling industry, spark and goals for the City midfield (five in the league), earning her a well-deserved first start for England, in Estonia last month.
2. Gemma Davison, Chelsea (forward)
Loves to run with the ball and take on defenders, Davison is a tricky, flying winger – always a potential catalyst performance-wise – who shares her team mates’ determination and winning mentality and is looking to win back to back titles having been with champions Liverpool, in 2014.
1. Beth Mead, Sunderland (forward)
Speed, tenacity, all-round finishing prowess and a hatful of goals (12 strikes in 14 games makes her the league’s leading scorer, by some margin) – even as a lone striker she’s proved a handful for almost every defence she has faced, in her first, stellar season, in the top flight.
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