Five Players to watch this Barclays WSL & WSL2 Weekend

As the upcoming round of fixtures in the BWSL and BWSL2 approaches, attention turns to the individuals capable of shaping the outcome of their matches. From attacking threats to defensive leaders, these players bring qualities that can influence momentum and define key moments across the pitch.

Here are five players to watch this weekend:

1. The Creative Influence, Olivia Holdt, Tottenham Hotspur

Olivia Holdt has emerged as a key creative presence for Tottenham Hotspur this season, combining technical quality with a growing influence in attacking areas. Operating in advanced positions, she provides a consistent link between midfield and attack, helping Spurs progress the

ball and create opportunities in the final third. Her composure in possession is reflected in a 77.1% pass success rate, allowing Tottenham to maintain control in build-up phases, while her attacking output highlights her effectiveness furtherforward. With five goals and three assists in the Barclays Women’s Super League, alongside 15 chances created, Holdt continues to play a central role in Spurs’ attacking play. As Tottenham prepare to face league leaders Manchester City, who were recently held to a draw against Aston Villa, Holdt’s creativity could prove crucial in unlocking a well-organised defence. In fixtures where control and precision are key, her ability to find space and deliver in decisive moments may offer Spurs a valuable attacking outlet.

2. The Defensive Prospect, Veerle Buurman, Chelsea

Veerle Buurman is continuing to develop as a promising defensive option for Chelsea, gaining valuable experience with each appearance. Despite her age, she has already shown composure and maturity in high-pressure situations, highlighted by her role in helping Chelsea secure a clean sheet in the recent final against Manchester United. Operating in the backline, Buurman combines physical presence with strong defensive awareness. Her ability in duels has been particularly notable, winning 75% of her aerial duels and 64.2% of her overall duels, underlining her effectiveness when defending both in the air and on the ground. Her influence is further reflected in Chelsea keeping four clean sheets across the seven matches she has started, demonstrating her contribution to maintaining defensive stability. As Chelsea prepare to face London City Lionesses, her composure and ability to manage defensive situations could prove important in maintaining control and limiting opposition opportunities.

3. The Game Changer, Kelly Gago, Everton

Kelly Gago is quickly establishing herself as a valuable attacking option for Everton, particularly through her ability to influence games from the bench. Her recent contributions have underlined her impact in decisive moments, scoring in her last two appearances as a substitute, including the winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Operating in advanced areas, Gago brings energy and directness in the final third, offering a different dynamic when introduced later in matches. Her overall contribution is reflected in her 78% pass success rate and 58.8% duels won, highlighting both her efficiency in possession and her willingness to compete physically when contesting the ball. Her ability to shift momentum was evident in that recent performance, and as Everton prepare to face Manchester United this weekend, her role as an impact substitute could once again prove crucial. In tightly contested fixtures, players capable of making decisive contributions from the bench often provide the difference, and Gago is increasingly showing she can be one of those players.

4. The Leader, Maria Boswell, Ipswich Town

Maria Boswell continues to play a central role for Ipswich Town, combining defensive reliability with strong leadership on the pitch. As captain, her organisation and communication are key to maintaining structure, particularly during high-pressure moments. Her influence extends beyond her defensive duties, contributing to Ipswich’s attacking play with seven chances created and winning 11 fouls, helping her side progress up the pitch and relieve pressure in key areas. Defensively, she remains equally effective, registering 16 interceptions and 14 tackles, highlighting her ability to read the game and regain possession. As Ipswich prepare to face Nottingham Forest this weekend, Boswell’s presence at the back will be crucial in managing opposition threats while maintaining control. In fixtures where discipline and organisation are essential, her leadership and all-round contribution could prove decisive.

5. The Clutch Finisher, Amy Andrews, Sheffield United

Amy Andrews has established herself as a key attacking figure for Sheffield United, combining consistent goal threat with an ability to deliver in decisive moments. Her impact was particularly evident in the recent draw against Sunderland, where she scored a brace to secure a valuable point for her side. Now the club’s top scorer in the league, Andrews continues to lead the line with confidence and intent. Her attacking presence is reflected in her 18 shots on target and 84 touches in the opposition box, highlighting both her accuracy and her ability to consistently get into dangerous positions. Beyond her contributions in the final third, Andrews also offers a strong work rate off the ball, registering 59 recoveries, which underlines her commitment to supporting her side in all phases of play. As Sheffield United prepare to face second-placed Birmingham City, Andrews’ ability to make an impact in key moments could prove crucial. In fixtures where opportunities may be limited, her instinct in front of goal and willingness to influence the game at both ends of the pitch may once again make the difference