The BWSL’s Under-the-Radar XI
International breaks are often reserved for the game’s biggest names, but across the Barclays Women’s Super League there are players delivering week after week without the same level of recognition. Their influence isn’t always captured in headlines, but it is felt in results, in structure, and in the subtle moments that shape matches.
This Under-the-Radar XI is built around those players. Not just individuals in form, but a side that would function cohesively, combining defensive resilience, midfield control, and direct attacking threat.
WSL Under-the-Radar XI (4-3-3)
GK – Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton)
RB – Lynn Wilms (Aston Villa)
CB – Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
CB – Ruby Mace (Everton)
LB – Ashleigh Neville (Leicester City)
DM – Saki Kumagai (London City Lionesses)
CM – Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)
CM – Sjoeke Nüsken (Chelsea)
RW – Chloe Kelly (Arsenal)
ST – Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)
LW – Olivia Holdt (Tottenham Hotspur)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton)
At its foundation is a goalkeeper whose performances have arguably been among the most valuable in the league this season. Nnadozie has been a standout presence for Brighton, even if that recognition hasn’t fully translated into wider attention. Operating behind a side that has often had to absorb pressure, her role has been defined by resilience and consistency. Six clean sheets place her among the stronger performers in the league, while a save percentage of 75.7% highlights her reliability. More tellingly, she has prevented 3.43 goals—an indicator of a goalkeeper not just meeting expectations, but exceeding them.
In a team that does not dominate possession, those numbers carry even more weight. Nnadozie is not protected by volume control; instead, she is actively preserving results, making her the ideal foundation for a side built on structure and transition.
Lynn Wilms (Aston Villa)
In front of her, the defensive unit begins with a right-back whose impact has been both
immediate and multifaceted. Seven assists and a goal in just 15 starts underline Wilms’ attacking influence, while 20 chances created show her ability to consistently deliver in advanced areas. Crucially, that output does not come at the expense of her defensive responsibilities. With 31 tackles, 15 interceptions, 13 blocked shots and 72 recoveries, she provides a constant presence on both sides of the game.
Her five clean sheets reinforce that balance, marking her out as one of the league’s most complete full-backs this season.
Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
Le Tissier anchors the defensive line with a level of consistency that has become easy to overlook precisely because it is so dependable. She has combined composure with efficiency, winning 64.3% of her duels while contributing 29 tackles and 95 recoveries. Her six clean sheets reflect her organisational role, but her influence extends further.
With nine chances created—including three big chances—she is not simply defending; she is helping initiate attacks, offering progression from deep.
Ruby Mace (Everton)
Alongside her, Ruby Mace offers a contrasting but equally important profile. With an 87.9% pass success rate, she brings composure in possession, while her defensive output is among the most active in the league. Fifty-nine tackles, 29 interceptions, 18 blocked shots and 79 recoveries illustrate her ability to disrupt play.
Her 119 clearances further emphasise her role in relieving pressure, making her a key figure in ensuring defensive resilience.
Ashleigh Neville (Leicester City)
On the left, Neville provides defensive balance and consistency. With 72 tackles and 26 interceptions, she is constantly involved in breaking up opposition play, while her 56.4% duel success rate reflects her competitiveness in wide areas.
Sixty-five clearances underline her reliability, making her a natural counterbalance to the more attack-minded right flank.
Saki Kumagai (London City Lionesses)
In midfield, Kumagai provides the foundation. Combining experience with tactical intelligence, she contributes both defensively and in possession. Two goals and an assist highlight her ability to impact the game further forward, while 37 tackles, 19 interceptions and 31 clearances underline her defensive importance.
Her ability to win duels and progress the ball makes her the stabilising presence in this XI.
Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)
Alongside her, Hasegawa brings a blend of technical quality and defensive intensity that defines modern midfield play. With an 86.2% pass success rate and eight big chances created, she is central to progression, while her defensive output—38 tackles, 29 interceptions and 86 recoveries—ensures she remains equally influential without the ball.
Her all-round contribution makes her one of the most complete midfielders in the league.
Sjoeke Nüsken (Chelsea)
Nüsken completes the midfield trio with a profile built on physicality and forward drive. With two goals and an assist in 12 matches, she offers a direct attacking threat, while her 81.6% pass success rate and perfect dribble success highlight her efficiency in possession.
Her defensive contributions ensure she remains effective across all phases of play.
Chloe Kelly (Arsenal)
On the right, Kelly provides width and direct attacking intent. Despite limited starts, she has delivered five goals and two assists in 12 appearances, highlighting her efficiency. Her delivery is another key strength, with 11 successful crosses.
Her work without the ball ensures she fits seamlessly into this system.
Olivia Holdt (Tottenham Hotspur)
On the left, Holdt offers creativity and progression. Six goals and three assists reflect her attacking output, while 19 chances created and 29 successful dribbles highlight her ability to advance play.
Her defensive work, including 58 recoveries and 13 possessions won in the final third, completes the profile of a well-rounded attacking player.
Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)
Leading the line, Hanson’s season has been defined by both output and work rate. Twelve goals place her among the most effective forwards, supported by strong underlying numbers including 8.78 expected goals on target.
Her defensive contribution—27 tackles, 10 interceptions and 58 recoveries—along with 17 possessions won in the final third, reflects a forward who leads from the front.
A Team Built on Impact, Not Attention
Taken together, this XI is more than a collection of overlooked performers. It is a side built on balance. The defensive unit combines resilience with composure, the midfield offers control and progression, and the attack delivers directness and efficiency.
What unites them is not just their output, but their context. These are players performing without the spotlight, often in systems that demand more of them, and consistently delivering regardless. In a league defined by its stars, this team is a reminder that influence is not always measured by attention—but by impact.
Word credit: Tia Thorne
