With another weekend of action approaching, there are plenty of players to keep an eye on across the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2.
From goal contributions and chance creation to defensive work and impressive all-round performances, these five players have shown why they could be ones to watch in their upcoming fixtures.
The All-Action Attacker — Océane Hurtré, Birmingham City
Océane Hurtré continues to make an impact for Birmingham City, with six goals and one assist highlighting her attacking threat this season.
The forward was on the scoresheet against Arsenal last weekend, giving Birmingham the lead in their 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Her performance against the Gunners was another reminder of the danger she can pose in the final third.
Hurtré’s underlying numbers also demonstrate her willingness to get involved. She has registered eighteen shots, with ten on target, alongside an expected goals figure of 2.68. She has also created fourteen chances, including three big chances, and recorded an expected assists figure of 1.58.
Her contribution extends beyond attacking play, too. With seventeen tackles, twenty eight recoveries and 52.3% of duels won, she has shown an ability to contribute defensively as well.
Next up, Birmingham face Charlton Athletic, giving Hurtré another opportunity to build on her impressive start to the campaign.
The Complete Winger — Lauren Hemp, Manchester City
Lauren Hemp has been a key contributor to Manchester City’s attacking play, recording four goals and four assists so far this season.
The England international offers a combination of direct running, creativity and an eye for goal, making her a constant threat for opposition defences. Her underlying numbers reinforce that influence, with nineteen shots, an expected goals figure of 2.79 and an expected assists figure of 3.46.
Hemp has also created nineteen chances, including eight big chances, demonstrating her ability to open up opportunities for her teammates as well as finish them herself.
Her work rate is another important part of her game. She has won 57.1% of her aerial duels, made six tackles and four interceptions, and recorded twenty-nine recoveries. She has also won possession in the final third on ten occasions.
Manchester City’s next challenge is a Manchester derby away to Manchester United. With Hemp capable of influencing a game in several ways, she will be one to watch as City look to maintain their strong form.
The Creative Catalyst — Fran Kirby, Brighton & Hove Albion
Fran Kirby’s experience and technical quality make her an important player to watch for Brighton & Hove Albion.
With one goal and two assists to her name, Kirby has already contributed directly to three goals this season. However, her influence is not limited to the scoresheet, with seventeen chances created highlighting her ability to provide opportunities for those around her.
Kirby has also recorded an expected goals figure of 1.52 and an expected assists figure of 1.79, underlining her involvement in Brighton’s attacking play.
Her passing numbers further demonstrate her value in possession. She has completed 85.8% of her passes and recorded a 57.1% success rate with accurate long balls, helping her contribute to Brighton’s build-up play.
She has also shown her commitment out of possession, winning 100% of her aerial duels, making nine tackles and recording twenty five recoveries.
With West Ham United next on the fixture list, Kirby will have another opportunity to use her creativity and experience to make a difference for the Seagulls.
The In-Form Forward — Vera Jones, Watford
Vera Jones is one to watch for Watford after making a direct contribution in each of her last two games, scoring once and providing an assist.
The striker has recorded four shots, with two on target, and will be looking to build on that recent form in Watford’s next fixture against Durham Women.
Jones has also demonstrated her ability to compete physically, winning 70% of her duels and 100% of her aerial duels. Those numbers suggest she can be an effective presence when Watford look to play forward and get the ball into dangerous areas.
Her contribution is not limited to attacking situations, either. Jones has won seven fouls and made ten recoveries, showing her willingness to compete and work for the team.
With confidence potentially growing after her recent goal and assist, Jones will be looking to carry that momentum into the weekend and continue making an impact in the final third.
The Attacking All-Rounder — Lotta Lindström, Bristol City
Lotta Lindström has offered Bristol City a mixture of attacking threat, creativity and physical presence.
The forward has recorded two goals and one assist, with fourteen shots and seven on target demonstrating her willingness to test opposition goalkeepers. She has also created seven chances, giving her side another route to goal beyond her own finishing.
Lindström’s ability to take on defenders is another notable part of her game. She has completed 58.3% of her dribbles and recorded a 40% success rate with crosses, offering Bristol City different ways to progress the ball and create opportunities.
She has also completed 71.8% of her passes, while winning 54.8% of her duels and 57.1% of her aerial duels. Her nine fouls won and nineteen recoveries further underline her involvement across the pitch.
With two goals and an assist already recorded, Lindström will be looking to maintain her attacking contribution and help Bristol City build momentum in their upcoming fixtures.
Five Players to Keep an Eye On
From Hurtré’s all-action displays for Birmingham City to Hemp’s creativity at Manchester City, Kirby’s influence for Brighton, Jones’ recent form at Watford and Lindström’s attacking versatility at Bristol City, each player brings something different to the table.
With important fixtures ahead, all five have reasons to be on the watchlist this weekend.
