Which player has performed best in the Women’s Super League this season? Which team gets the surprise package? And who needs improvement?
As the league enters its winter break and the season approaches the halfway mark, it’s time to take a look back at the story so far.
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Former England internationals Ellen White and Farrah Williams gave their verdict to BBC Sport while expressing disdain for their pre-season predictions…
Which team surprised you the most?
Farrah Williams: “Tottenham Hotspur. Their performances in recent seasons, even with the investment, have been disappointing. I think they look like a different team this year – a more organized team. They have more structure. Their position in the table (fifth) shows they have improved a lot.”
Alan White: “City have adapted a lot this season. They have a new manager and a slightly different style of play – but I’ve been surprised by their composure and the performance of their new signings.”
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Which team still has room for improvement?
Farrah Williams: “It’s hard for me to say about Liverpool because they sold Olivia Smith, arguably their best player, to Arsenal for £1m at the end of last season. They also let vice-captain Taylor Hinds go to Arsenal. They didn’t bring in enough players in the summer. They bought a new manager but didn’t bring in players to match. I’m disappointed with where they are. They’ve got no return on investment, so it’s more for that reason than what they’re doing on the pitch.”
Alan White: “I think so too. Liverpool have a new manager and have lost a few players. They haven’t been able to get the points they deserve at times – they’ve been really good in a few games recently and against some top teams. Hopefully the international break will do them some good and they’ll pick up more points in the new year.”
Who is the best signing?
Farrah Williams: “Alyssa Thompson at Chelsea. The American forward is young and there was a lot of hype around her. She came with a price tag and I think she has delivered on that.”
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Alan White: “I think Toko Koga is a great fit for Tottenham. She’s a 19-year-old centre-back and she’s very good. She always finds good positions and helps clean up their defence. I think she’s a very exciting signing for this season.”
Who is the best player of the season so far?
Farrah Williams: “Olivia Holt. I think she brings something different to Tottenham Hotspur – certainly in attack. She likes to have the ball and try to push it forward, which is what they lacked last year.”
Alan White: “Man City striker Khadija Shaw. She’s very clinical and very prolific. Her range, her ability to move her hips – she can make something out of nothing. And her ability in the air.”
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What was your favorite match?
Farrah Williams: “It may have been the first game between Chelsea and Manchester City – which ended with a 2-1 win for the defending champions – but after last week’s Christmas cracker, United were 3-3 Tottenham.”
Alan White: “The Manchester United game against Tottenham was unbelievable. The goals, the comebacks and the fact that Tottenham were 3-0 up. I think overall it was really exciting to watch.”
Are you sticking to your pre-season predictions?
At the beginning of the season you all predicted Chelsea would win the WSL title and Arsenal would finish second…
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Farrah Williams: “It’s a difficult game. They’re both still in the Champions League and City have no such distraction. City have fewer games and are six points ahead. When there’s a gap like that, it’s quite difficult to close the gap. Having said that, Arsenal and Chelsea play City again so they can close the gap. I’ll stick with it!”
Alan White: “Of course, I’m going to stick with it.”
[BBC]
Ben Haynes, Ellen White and Jane Beattie return to the Women’s Football Weekly Podcast. New episodes air every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus you can watch them on Women’s Football Weekly Updates
