The first international break of the 2024/25 WSL season is now complete, with action set to return this weekend.
Manchester City currently top the standings having won four of their opening five games, although both Chelsea and Manchester United have a game in hand. Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton are at the bottom of the table with two points to their name, although the Hammers’ goal difference makes them worse off.
There has already been a number of standout performers from the early stages of the campaign, including stars from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, 90min has ranked the top 10 players of the season so far…
Chelsea have had a strong start to the season, but Hannah Hampton has also nailed down her place as their number one goalkeeper. The Blues have conceded three goals across their opening four games, and sit second in the standings having played a game less than leaders Manchester City.
Hampton has stepped up in some big moments already this term, most notably their opening day clash against Aston Villa. Chelsea narrowly secured a 1-0 victory that night, but they could have dropped points late on if not for some important saves.
Liverpool are yet to truly get up and running this season as they’ve won one and drawn three of their first five games. However, summer signing Olivia Smith has been a standout performer for the Reds.
The Merseyside club broke their transfer record to sign the 20-year-old Canada starlet from Sporting CP, and she is already proving to be a transformative player. She has scored two outstanding goals already this season, including one against Manchester City at Anfield.
Japan international Kiko Seike is one of the most exciting new players in the WSL this season. The 28-year-old made history on the opening day when she became the first player to score a WSL hat-trick on her debut.
Seike is yet to add to her tally since, but has been one of the key figures behind Brighton’s strong start to the season. Under new manager Dario Vidosic, they have won three of their first five games, and lost just once.
Manchester United’s defensive record in the early stages of the new season is outstanding. Marc Skinner’s side haven’t lost in four games, and they have conceded just one goal in that time.
Newly appointed captain Maya Le Tissier is just one of the names responsible for a resurgent United’s defensive record, and it’s something they will hope to maintain as they look to break back into the top three.
Le Tissier has also got herself on the scoresheet this season when she converted a penalty in the 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. Her form for her club also earned her appearances in both of England’s games over the international break.
24-year-old France international Sandy Baltimore was just one of Chelsea’s new arrivals over the summer. Although she is a forward, she has often been utilised at left back under Sonia Bompastor this season.
Despite playing out of position, Baltimore has still contributed with two league goals in four games this season. That includes the winner against rivals Arsenal at the Emirates in early October.
No player has registered more assists in the WSL this season than United’s Celin Bizet. The former Spurs star joined the Red Devils late in the transfer window, and she has settled into her new team seamlessly.
United have dropped points in one game this season. Bizet has contributed significantly to the victories so far, surprisingly from right-back at times, although she is yet to get on the scoresheet herself.
It is no surprise Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw is already among the top scorers in the WSL this season. Her most significant contribution is the two goals against Liverpool at Anfield to allow City to come from behind and secure a crucial victory.
The 27-year-old Jamaica international is unstoppable, and she will hope to win the golden boot this season for the second year running. Her goalscoring form will be integral to City’s potential title push this term.
Another of City’s stars, Lauren Hemp, has had an equally strong start to the campaign. The 24-year-old has scored two goals and registered two assists in the WSL already.
One of those assists was for Shaw’s equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield. She also scored the equaliser and set up the winner for their narrow 2-1 victory over Aston Villa before the international break.
Few players have had an impact as significant as Grace Clinton this season. United’s strong start to the season is largely down to the 21-year-old’s incredible form in front of goal.
Clinton has scored in three of the Red Devils’ first four WSL games, two of which have been winners. Given how she has started the campaign, it is no surprise Skinner and the club were desperate to keep her following a successful loan spell at Tottenham last term.
With three goals and two assists in four WSL games, Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd is on track to become the player of the season. If the Sweden international is able to maintain this form, she could be decisive in helping Bompastor’s side retain another league title.
She also scored an early goal of the season contender against London rivals Tottenham before the international break. The 27-year-old is simply unstoppable at the moment.
