From dominant attacking displays to a goalkeeping masterclass, these five players delivered standout performances this weekend
Another weekend of action brought plenty of impressive individual performances across the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2.
There were goals, assists, creative displays and defensive heroics, with several players putting together big performances for their teams — and big returns for Fantasy managers.
Here are five of the standout performers from the weekend.
The Attacking Powerhouse — Kadidiatou Diani, London City Lionesses
Kadidiatou Diani was at the heart of everything positive for London City Lionesses, producing a sensational attacking display.
The forward scored twice and added an assist, contributing directly to three goals in a performance that earned her an impressive 20 Fantasy points.
Diani’s attacking numbers tell the story. She registered an xG of 1.94, while creating three big chances and recording a 75% shot accuracy.
She was also a constant threat with the ball at her feet, completing 75% of her attempted dribbles and an impressive 100% of her crosses.
Her contribution wasn’t limited to the final third either. Diani made two tackles and four recoveries, while winning 67% of her ground duels.
Two goals, an assist and an all-round attacking display made Diani one of the weekend’s standout Fantasy performers.
Fantasy BWSL points: 20
The Last Line of Defence — Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Manchester United
While goals often grab the headlines, Phallon Tullis-Joyce showed just how important a goalkeeper can be to a Fantasy total with a commanding performance for Manchester United.
The goalkeeper made eight saves, including five diving saves, as she played a crucial role in keeping her opponents at bay.
Tullis-Joyce also made 13 recoveries and completed 55% of her passes as Manchester United kept a clean sheet.
Her shot-stopping proved particularly important, with the goalkeeper preventing 1.98 goals from the shots she faced based on their expected-goals value.
The combination of eight saves and a clean sheet earned Tullis-Joyce 12 Fantasy points, making her the weekend’s standout performer between the sticks.
Fantasy BWSL points: 12
The Complete Package — Ruby Mace, Everton
Ruby Mace produced a performance to remember for Everton, scoring both of her side’s goals while influencing the game across the pitch.
The midfielder took more shots than any other player, with four attempts, while also registering three shots on target and a 75% shot accuracy.
But Mace’s influence went far beyond her goalscoring.
She recorded the most touches in the match with 95, while also completing the most dribbles, with three successful attempts at a perfect 100% success rate.
Mace was also composed in possession, completing 88% of her passes and 62% of her long balls.
Two tackles and eight recoveries further demonstrated her all-round contribution, with Mace ultimately earning 20 Fantasy points.
Fantasy BWSL points: 20
The Difference Maker — Megan Hornby, Ipswich Town
Megan Hornby made a decisive contribution for Ipswich Town, directly contributing to two goals with one goal and one assist.
The forward also created two chances for her teammates and proved a constant threat in front of goal, registering three shots on target with a 75% shot accuracy.
Hornby’s contribution extended beyond her attacking numbers too, with three tackles and four recoveries showing her willingness to work for the team without the ball.
She also won 67% of her ground duels, underlining her all-round performance.
A goal, an assist and a strong contribution across the pitch earned Hornby 13 Fantasy points.
Fantasy BWSL2 points: 13
The Creative Force — Jordan Nobbs
Jordan Nobbs delivered a standout creative display, finding the net while also providing a constant source of chances for her teammates.
The midfielder created five chances — the most in the match — while completing 83% of her passes.
Her range of distribution was particularly impressive, with Nobbs completing 100% of her long balls, helping her influence the game from midfield.
She also contributed defensively, making two clearances and two interceptions, alongside two recoveries.
Nobbs was equally dominant in the air, winning 100% of her aerial duels.
A goal combined with five chances created and an all-round midfield performance earned Nobbs 12 Fantasy points.
Fantasy BWSL2 points: 12
Who should Fantasy managers be looking at?
With two players reaching 20 Fantasy points, Diani and Mace were the headline performers of the weekend.
Diani’s combination of two goals, an assist and three big chances created makes her an obvious attacking standout, while Mace demonstrated the value of an all-round performance with her goals, touches, dribbles and defensive contribution.
But the weekend also highlighted the importance of looking beyond goals. Tullis-Joyce’s eight saves showed the potential value of a goalkeeper who can rack up points through shot-stopping, while Nobbs’ creativity and Hornby’s goal involvement provide further options for managers looking to find points across the pitch.
With Fantasy returns available in so many different ways, these five performances showed exactly why it pays to look beyond the goals column when building your squad.
