This has been the Most fun Women’s Super League season yet, but who were the main actors? Here is Telegraph Sport’s composite squad for 2023/24:
Goalkeeper: Khiara Keating, Manchester City
When Gareth Taylor decided to give Keating the number one shirt at Manchester City at the start of this season, ahead of two much more experienced goalkeepers, eyebrows were raised but the youngster stood out. She won the Golden Glove for most clean sheets and was a key part of the league’s most ruthless defense. And she’s still only 19.
Right-back: Ashley Lawrence, Chelsea
Chelsea champion got a bargain signing Ashley Lawrence on a free transfer last summer from Paris St-Germain. She can play on both sides of the field as a wing-back and has performed consistently each week, with great positioning, high expectations and a calm presence in the face of treacherous wingers. A huge boost to Chelsea’s flexibility and versatility at the back.
Right central defender: Laia Aleixandri, Man City
Aleixandri is a rare breed of defender: technically, she is brilliantly gifted on the ball, with great passing vision and balance, but combines these traits with fierce, difficult tackling. His courageous defending at centre-back this season has helped take City to another level.
Left centre-back: Alex Greenwood, Man City
The first name in this defense. Greenwood remains one of the best left-footed players in the world and has been England’s most consistent player over the last two years. She is an integral part of the way City play, building up the defense, and has built a wonderful partnership with Aleixandri.
Left-back: Niamh Charles, Chelsea
Charles’ long-term transition from winger to top-flight winger is complete. This was by far his best season. She contributed significantly to Chelsea in both attack and defense, and also took on a more important role in the team, informally becoming something of a leader within that group.
Central midfielder: Grace Clinton, Tottenham
Clinton, on loan from Manchester United, has had a wonderful impact at Tottenham, providing creativity, flair, vision and real drive to the midfield. She can do everything in the middle of the field: win the ball, press hard, adapt tactically. Tottenham missed her so much at FA Women’s Cup Final at Wembley when she was tied up.
Starting midfielder: Yui Hasegawa, Man City
Japan’s Hasegawa is a joy to watch. She seems to have a lot more time on the ball in difficult, tight spaces and always seems to be two or three passes ahead of everyone else. A very intelligent football player who has been very effective at City. There are many good defensive midfielders in the league, but she has proven to be by far the best.
Central midfielder: Erin Cuthbert, Chelsea
Once again magnificent for Chelsea and a true leader. Often in close games or when Chelsea are struggling, Cuthbert is almost always the one to step things up and drag them to victory. His work rate is incredible and his progression at Chelsea is one of the club’s great success stories.
Forward: Lauren James, Chelsea
When James is at her best, she is one of the most entertaining players in the world, arguably the most exciting young striker on the planet. Although she doesn’t always play centrally in the middle, her goalscoring ratio this season has still been excellent from the wings or from deeper positions. She sweeps people off their feet and is a remarkable talent.
Central striker: Bunny Shaw, Man City
An excellent scorer. Shaw has great power and strength, but also great feet – and his most valuable skill is being in the right place at the right time. She won the Golden Boot this season, scoring more than a goal per game, and missed the final three matches of the season due to injury.
Forward: Lauren Hemp, Manchester City
Of all the left wingers in this league, Hemp can beat his marker more easily than anyone else. She loves to face people and that gets the audience excited. She has added more goals to her game this year, but is also dropping back and working hard without the ball. Now that she has signed a new contract, City can continue to build the team around important players like her.
