Part Two - The SWF Blog Early Season Team
It's early days the break in the season has come with just a 3rd of the matches played between the league and Continental Cup but I thought I'd have a go at picking out my team of the season so far, who has started well for their club, be they an established squad player or new signing. Based on the matches I have seen, highlights I've watched, reports I've read and a few stats I've looked at. Wasn't easy to narrow it down to 11 plenty more candidates and no doubt everyone's 11 will be different but this is the team I've picked out in the most commonly used formation in WSL 1... 4-3-3
Most teams in the WSL 1 seem to go with the 4-3-3 formation with can easily become 4-5-1 when teams are under pressure or need to shore up shop.
Goalkeeper
Was a tough one to pick one clear candidate there haven't been a fantastic amount of goals conceded by any team in WSL 1. Liverpool's back line has been as mean as any and that has been in no small part to their new signing Libby Stout in goal, she has pulled off some fantastic saves in the games I've watched so far.
The Defence
At right back I went for Birmingham's Chelsea Weston. Has been a consistant performer, solid defensively, tracking back well, putting in blocks when required. Has also contributed going forwards has a good engine running up and down the flank.
At centre back I have been very impressed by Arsenal's young England U19 player Leah Williamson. Despite the clubs indifferent start to the season she has performed well (one error aside) does her job well, tracks back and marks closely, still very much learning her trade hasn't looked out of place and has no doubt gained from playing along side Casey Stoney.
Another central defender that has impressed has been Notts County's Scottish international defender Rachel Corsie, signed at the start of the season from Glasgow City. The Notts County side has been scoring goals, whilst at the other end not conceding many and Corsie has been very good in that department has a presence and a good header, is strong and is a danger in the opponents penalty box on set pieces too.
Left back wasn't so easy to choose, there have been a few contenders, each shining in the odd game or too, only one has been a consistant performer in that position and that is Bristol's Corinne Yorston. Leads by example the Bristol back line is well drilled, carrying on her form from last season, a strong player will push forwards and offers an extra threat on goal.
The Midfield
The midfield trio were the easiest to pick out in the end. Starting with Jade Moore of Birmingham, the midfield enforcer has started the season very well. Is a box to box type player with a great engine a strong tackle and range of pass. Has been bombing forwards quite a bit too getting into the box and causing problems.
Moore is not the only Birmingham midfielder to get into the early season team, so too has the clubs new signing from Lincoln Ladies, Remi Allen. Already mentioned about how she was used very much in a defensive role for her previous club, not anymore now playing in front of Moore and Jo Potter she has liecence to get forwards has been amongst the goals is a battling player not letting opponents rest will come back to win the ball and her good early season form has been recognised by a call up to the senior England squad.
Last player in this midfield trio is Bristol's Nicki Watts. Has started the season very well, looking to go forwards more than most and influence play higher up the pitch in more of a number 10 role, provides very good support to Bristol's other attacking players and works back quickly when they lose the ball. Is amongst the clubs leading goalscorers too.
The Attackers
The WSL 1 is full of attacking quality narrowing it down to just three wasn't easy, but goals count for alot and no one has scored more so far amongst the 8 clubs than Notts County's Jess Clarke. Has been leading the line due to Ellen White's injury and has been in sparkling form. Has an abundance of pace is always looking to break and get in on goal can beat a player and has scored some great goals, that has earnt her a recall to the England squad.
Part of Clarke's success though has come down to fellow team mate Dunia Susi. Playing in support of Clarke, Susi has found herself higher up the pitch than she usually operate's but can play anywhere down the right from full back to attack. Is like Clarke very quick, a good dribbler and covers alot of ground will go looking for the ball and has been scoring goals.
The third part of this attacking trio goes to Eniola Aluko. Hasn't scored as many goals as some others but wins me over with her all round team play. Works extremely hard up front centrally or down the channels can hold the ball up well giving team mates time to get up in support is strong always looking to create an opening.
The subs bench
I'll name 3 subs to go with the starting XI, all three have been playing well at the start of the season too... Ji So-Yun of Chelsea, the Korean international player is looking to be a very good signing for Emma Hayes.
Natasha Dowie is a constant threat up front for Liverpool and has continued scoring goals for the club at the start of the season.
At last but not least Birmingham's Melissa Lawley, puts in a good shift down the left for the club looking to link up with striker Kirsty Linnett, it is her ability and vision to track back and help out at the other end that has stood out.
Signing of the Season so far
For myself it's Remi Allen (maybe I'm a little biased on this one) has started the season fantastically well, is a pleasure to see her in her new role higher up the pitch causing trouble, rather than breaking it up.
Emerging Players
It can't just be about the new signings the clubs have made and let's face it there have been plenty, there is a development league and academy's we want to see young players coming forwards and being given the chance already mentioned Leah Williamson & Gabrielle George. Jess Carter was just 16 when she made her debut at left back for Birmingham in the Champion's League the performance was outstanding. Hannah Blundell has been doing well in Chelsea's back line, Ashley Hodson and Hannah Dale have been given a chance at Liverpool, Jade Bailey for Arsenal to name a few, encouraging to see.
No doubt my starting XI will be different from everyone elses, who has stood out for you in WSL 1? Who will get better? Will any of these players perform consistantly enough all season to be in the season's ends team? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
No comments:
Post a Comment