The Barclays FA Women’s Super League Player of the Month shortlist for January 2021 has been announced and the public vote is open.
The five shortlisted players for January are Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Chelsea) and Melanie Leupolz (Chelsea).
Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
After returning from injury, Lauren Hemp has found a rich vein of form in January. The Manchester City forward scored twice and provided an assist in her side’s 7-0 win over Villa.
The 20-year-old provided another assist in City’s win over Brighton and she rounded out the month with her fourth assist in the game against West Ham.
Chloe Kelly (Manchester City)
Manchester City found the net 18 times across their three games in January. In their 7-0 triumph against Aston Villa, Chloe Kelly provided two assists before getting herself on the scoresheet.
The striker repeated the feat in City’s 7-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, assisting three times and scoring once.
Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Another month where Ella Toone was in the goals for Manchester United, as they maintained their title challenge. After losing out to Chelsea, United bounced back with two victories in two remaining games.
Toone scored the opener against Everton and doubled Casey Stoney’s side’s lead in their 2-0 victory over Birmingham.
Fran Kirby (Chelsea)
It was an unbelievable start of 2021 for Fran Kirby in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
The Chelsea forward punished former club Reading by scoring four goals against them in a 5-0 victory. Kirby followed that up against Manchester United where she scored the matchwinner in the top-of-the-table clash.
Melanie Leupolz (Chelsea)
Another Chelsea player who sparkled on the pitch was Melanie Leupolz. The German midfielder has found her feet in recent weeks and added scoring to her game, as well as offering her usual creativity. After helping her side through to the semi-finals of the Conti Cup, Leupolz found the net twice against Spurs.
Click here to vote, before 12pm on Friday 12 February.
#FAWC: London City Lionesses’ Melissa Phillips is Manager of the Month
