The WSL2 Under-the-Radar XI

The Players Driving the League Forward

Just like the Barclays Women's Super League yesterday, today we shine a spotlight on the BWSL 2, a division filled with players shaping their own pathways, building consistency, and pushing for the next step. The WSL2 is not just a development league, it is a proving ground, where performances are earned week after week and progression is built through opportunity.

This Under-the-Radar XI highlights the players quietly defining the 2025/26 season. Not just through output, but through influence, players who combine defensive resilience, midfield control, and attacking intent to form a side capable of competing in its own right.

Under the Radar XI: 4-3-3

GK: Shae Yanez (Crystal Palace)

Defence: Hannah Coan (Portsmouth), Abbie Lafayette (Sheffield United), Paige Peak (Ipswich Town), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest)

Midfield: Natasha Fenton (Sunderland), Mollie Lambert (Durham), Jodie Hutton (Charlton)

Forwards: Rio Hardy (Bristol City), Beth Lumsden (Newcastle), Atlanta Primus (Southampton)

Shae Yañez (Crystal Palace)

At the base of the XI is a goalkeeper whose performances have provided both security and consistency. Yañez has recorded six clean sheets this season, supported by a strong save percentage of 71.1%, underlining her reliability when called upon.

Beyond shot-stopping, her presence in possession stands out. With a 70.2% pass success rate and 94 accurate long balls, she offers a valuable outlet in build-up, while her 10 high claims reflect confidence in commanding her area. In a side built on structure and transition, she provides the ideal foundation.

Hannah Coan (Portsmouth)

Operating on the right side of defence, Coan brings a blend of technical quality and defensive intensity. Her 74.2% pass success rate and four chances created highlight her ability to contribute in possession, while an 83.3% dribble success rate points to a defender comfortable progressing the ball.

Defensively, her output is equally impressive. Winning 66.4% of her duels alongside 41 tackles, 34 interceptions, and 66 recoveries, she offers both control and disruption. Her 140 clearances further emphasise her role in relieving pressure, making her a key component of the back line.

Abbie Lafayette (Sheffield United)

At centre-back, Lafayette provides creativity from deep alongside defensive consistency. 4 assists and 22 chances created, three of them big chances, mark her out as one of the most progressive defenders in the league.

Her defensive work remains just as important, with 40 tackles, 41 interceptions, and 109 recoveries illustrating her ability to break up play and regain possession. She offers a profile that blends defensive solidity with attacking contribution, a crucial balance in modern systems.

Paige Peake (Ipswich Town)

Alongside her, Peake adds physical presence and aerial strength. With 2 goals and an assist, she provides a threat in both boxes, supported by five headed shots, four of which have been on target.

Her defensive contributions, 21 blocked shots and 105 clearances, highlight her ability to deal with sustained pressure, while a 64.7% duel success rate reinforces her effectiveness in direct contests. Peake brings a traditional defensive edge to the unit, complementing the more progressive profiles around her.

Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest)

On the left, Mustaki offers balance and consistency. With two assists and 11 chances created, she contributes going forward, supported by an 83.1% pass success rate that reflects composure in possession.

Defensively, she remains highly active, with 41 tackles, 34 interceptions, and 95 recoveries, while also winning fouls and relieving pressure when needed. Her all-round contribution makes her a natural fit in a system that demands both defensive discipline and attacking support from wide areas.

Natasha Fenton (Sunderland)

In midfield, Fenton provides the creative engine. With three assists and 25 chances created, she is central to her team’s attacking play, while her 66.7% dribble success rate highlights her ability to progress the ball through midfield.

Her work without the ball is just as significant. Fifty-six tackles and 144 recoveries underline her defensive contribution, while drawing 22 fouls shows her ability to retain possession under pressure. She operates as the link between defence and attack, driving transitions forward.

Mollie Lambert (Durham)

Lambert adds goals and balance to the midfield unit. With four goals and an assist, alongside 19 chances created, she offers a consistent attacking threat, while her duel success rates, both on the ground and aerially, highlight her competitiveness.

Her defensive work, including 28 tackles, 24 interceptions, and 70 recoveries, ensures she contributes across all phases. Lambert provides the box-to-box presence that allows this midfield to function dynamically.

Jodie Hutton (Charlton Athletic)

Completing the midfield, Hutton offers a blend of physicality and output. 5 goals and 2 assists highlight her attacking influence, while winning 61 duels demonstrates her presence in central areas.

Her defensive contribution, including 22 interceptions and 48 clearances, alongside six clean sheets, reflects her role in maintaining structure. She provides the stability and edge that completes a well-rounded midfield trio.

Rio Hardy (Bristol City)

Leading the line, Hardy provides a consistent goal threat. 8 goals and an assist, supported by 15 shots on target, underline her efficiency in front of goal.

Her contribution extends beyond scoring, with 16 chances created and defensive involvement including tackles and clearances. Hardy leads from the front, setting the tone for the team’s pressing and attacking movement.

Beth Lumsden (Newcastle United)

On the right, Lumsden offers creativity and work rate. With four goals and three assists, alongside 17 chances created, she plays a key role in attacking phases, while her passing accuracy supports controlled build-up.

Her defensive work, including 28 tackles and 49 recoveries, ensures she contributes to the team’s overall structure, making her a well-rounded wide option.

Atlanta Primus (Southampton)

On the left, Primus provides energy and progression. With three goals and three assists, alongside 35 shots, 17 on target, she offers a direct attacking threat, while her 76.9% pass success rate and accurate long balls highlight her technical quality.

Her defensive contribution stands out, with 118 recoveries alongside tackles and interceptions, reflecting her work rate and ability to regain possession. She completes a front line built on movement, creativity, and pressing intensity.

A League of Opportunity

This XI is more than a collection of strong individual performers. It reflects the identity of the BWSL 2 itself, a league built on opportunity, development, and progression. These are players performing consistently, often without the same recognition as those at the very top, yet demonstrating the qualities required to take the next step.

Across defence, midfield, and attack, this side combines structure with creativity, resilience with output. It is a team that would not only compete, but one that reflects the growing strength and depth of the league.

And in that sense, the BWSL 2 is not just a stepping stone, it is a stage in its own right, where the next generation of players continue to emerge.

Word credit: Tia Thorne