Right, this is our first year looking at drafting in the WSL! While I cannot say I have been an avid fan of the women’s game, since we started crunching the data and bringing the women’s game into StatrDraft, that might be changing. This summer’s transfer window has delivered some high-profile moves across the Women’s Super League (WSL), so with the help of the biggest women’s football supporter I know (thanks Sarah) we’ve broken down the new signings at each club and recommended who should be your must-pick from these exciting transfers. Here’s all the deets by club:
Arsenal: Mariona Caldentey
Arsenal bolstered their already fearsome attack with the signing of Mariona Caldentey from Barcelona. The experienced Spanish winger, with 3 Champions League trophies, 6 Spanish league titles, and a World Cup under her belt, brings elite experience. Adding her to a lineup already boasting Beth Mead and Alessia Russo makes Arsenal’s attack even more dangerous. Caldentey’s ability to both score and create makes her a prime pick.
Aston Villa: Missy Bo Kearns
While Gabi Nunez might be the obvious choice so we are going to be different and look at, Missy Bo Kearns who offers plenty of promise and judging by our model could be an interesting one to watch. The former Liverpool star, still in her early 20s, is an exciting addition to Villa’s squad. She’s a versatile player with excellent vision and tenacity, and Villa’s faith in youth could see Kearns shine in midfield. If you’re looking for an underrated player who could surprise, Kearns may be a stroke of genius from Villa.
Brighton: Fran Kirby
Brighton pulled off a coup with Fran Kirby, one of the most iconic players in women’s football. During her time at Chelsea, Kirby scored 115 goals in 205 appearances, a phenomenal strike rate, under the very successful reign of Emma Hayes, . Her reunion with England teammate Nikita Parris will give Brighton a formidable duo. Kirby is a surefire pick—her legacy and sharpness in front of goal make her a points machine
Chelsea: Lucy Bronze
It’s hard to look past Lucy Bronze as a fantasy football shoe in. A legend in the game, she’s won everything from Champions Leagues to Euros with England, having enjoyed successful spells at Liverpool, Man City, Lyon and Barcelona, like let’s be honest that is some career. Her experience at the back, combined with her attacking threat, makes her invaluable. Wherever Bronze goes, success follows—her reliability and consistency make her an easy inclusion in your squad.
Crystal Palace: Katie Stengel
Palace have made an intriguing signing in Katie Stengel, a striker who previously impressed at Liverpool winning the championship and gaining promotion before then scoring twice to beat Chelsea on their first WSL game back and Gotham FC. Her history of rising to the occasion in big games makes her a player to watch. With Palace looking to solidify their WSL status, Stengel’s ability to score key goals could be a game-changer.
Everton: Melissa Lawley
Melissa Lawley’s done and crossed Merseyside even in the WSl it’s a controversial move from Liverpool to Everton that could turn out to be one of the best bits of business this summer. Not gonna lie this is the kind of move that hasn’t been seen since Tevez swapped the red for the blue side of Manchester and I am here for the storyline.Known for her pace and creativity, Lawley’s ability to unlock defences makes her a dangerous winger. She will be essential in Everton’s attack, and her style of play could see her rack up assists and even goals.
Leicester City: Chantelle Swaby
Jamaican defender Chantelle Swaby will add some much-needed steel to Leicester’s backline. As the Foxes aim to survive what could be their toughest WSL season yet, Swaby’s presence will be crucial. Defenders don’t often get picked in fantasy leagues, but Swaby’s ability to marshal the defence and pick up clean sheets makes her a smart choice if you’re looking to balance your squad.
Liverpool: Olivia Smith
Liverpool’s acquisition of Olivia Smith could be a real gem. The 20-year-old Canadian striker has shown flashes of brilliance on international duty, think Garnacho solely because that’s a comparison Liverpool fans would love. If she can form a strong partnership with Leanne Kiernan, Liverpool’s attack could be lethal. Smith has the potential to develop into a top scorer, making her a risk worth taking for your draft.
Manchester City: Vivianne Miedema
Vivianne Miedema’s move to Manchester City is arguably the signing of the summer. The WSL’s all-time top scorer joins an attack that already features last season’s top scorer Bunny Shaw who if you saw Jimi’s recent number crunching you’d know was the most efficient forward in English football last season.
With City narrowly missing out on the league due to goal difference last season, Miedema’s finishing could be the missing piece. If she stays fit, she’s a must-pick and holy shit what a strike-force that is.
Manchester United: Dominique Janssen
Manchester Women’s team had an interesting summer to put it nicely whether it was moving training facilities to loosing plenty of experience on the pitch. United’s defence struggled last season not unlike Ten Haag’s counterparts, and the departure of star keeper Mary Earps only adds to their woes. The signing of Dutch defender Dominique Janssen from Wolfsburg looks to steady the ship. I think United had a type this summer with Dutch De Ligt also coming from Germany to shore up a leaky back line. Janssen’s defensive prowess and leadership will be vital to United’s backline. If you’re looking to strengthen your defence in fantasy, Janssen could be a solid pick.
Tottenham Hotspur: Hayley Raso
Tottenham have made a statement signing with Hayley Raso. The Australian winger, who has previously played for Everton, Manchester City, and Real Madrid, brings blistering pace and creativity. Her ability to stretch defences and get on the scoresheet will be a huge asset. Expect Raso to be a standout for Spurs, making her a solid draft pick.
West Ham United: Inès Belloumou
West Ham secured Inès Belloumou from Bayern Munich, and despite her young age, the 23-year-old has already played at the highest levels in Germany and Europe. Her experience in the Champions League and winning mentality will bring a competitive edge to the Hammers. Belloumou could be a sleeper pick, especially if you’re looking to diversify your team with an all-round talent.
In football and even more so in fantasy football we love a new signing and adding any of them to your fantasy team could be the difference between victory and defeat. Be sure to stay ahead of the competition by drafting these top players early and while you wait on us to get our game ready for public release make sure you join that waiting list!
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