The WSL: Best performing transfer players

Mariona Caldentey in an Arsenal shirt. Photo: Arsenal FC

By Lola Casarejos Romero (06/12/2024)

As we near the winter transfer window, we must evaluate which players have performed the best at their new teams before new arrivals and some players leaving. Throughout the preseason, shock moves came such as the move of Dutch international Vivianne Miedema from Arsenal to Manchester City. Many rumours also came during that time that may come to fruition in January such as the thought that Barcelona midfielder, Keira Walsh, may move to Arsenal.

ARSENAL

After the team placed some young players on loan, such as Teyah Goldie, and letting players leave, like Sabrina D’Angelo, Arsenal had to bring in new players. One of these is the Spain forward Mariona Caldentey. The 28-year-old had played for Barcelona for a decade, and after winning everything that was possible, she decided that a move was right for her. So far, she has scored five goals this season, with four of them being scored in the Champions League showing precisely why she was a popular transfer this summer.

ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa’s best transfer must be credited to Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo. The 31-year-old previously played for Arsenal since January 2023 and during that time, she only played 15 games. However, any doubts about her skills have been abolished since she started to play for Villa, and has played 10 matches so far this season maintaining good form across matches and earning her a call-up for Canada.

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

Following the Japanese international’s stellar performance, it is only right to say that Kiko Seike has had and incredible start to her time in the WSL. The 28-year-old forward wears the number 11 shirt, and rightly so as she has scored 4 goals in 9 matches so far. The former Urawa Reds star was one of many shock transfers as she was joined by Lionesses Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris. These signings brought an extra attack to the Seagulls, and has proved to be worth it as the team sit above Arsenal in 3rd position.

CHELSEA

After winning her 5th Champions League title, Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze decided to return to the WSL after leaving Manchester City in 2022. Bronze has played for England’s senior team consistently since January of 2013 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The 33-year-old has played in 10 out of 12 matches and has scored 2 goals so far, against Crystal Palace and Everton as she plays confidently with her attacking style of play.

CRYSTAL PALACE

A consistent player for Palace has been Katie Stengel. The 32-year-old previously played for Gotham FC for a season, in which she averaged a goal every five games. The forward has played in every match so far and has managed to net one goal when playing against Liverpool. The team are the newcomers to the WSL after earning their promotion from the Championship last season.

EVERTON

After suffering 7 injuries, and having a player on maternity leave, Brian Sorensen’s side has had to put much more pressure on their remaining players. From this the skill of Greek player, Veatriki Sarri, has become apparent. The newcomer previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion, netting six goals across 52 matches played. Although she has not scored any goals so far, Sarri is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch with her versatility and is definitely a player to watch this season.

LEICESTER CITY

Despite only having won two matches so far, Leicester is not yet at the brink of relegation as they stay in 10th place. They are tied by points with two other teams, but luckily have a better goal difference score. However, hope comes from French youngster Shana Chossenotte. The 19-year-old has played in all but the first match of the season and managed to score her first goal for the club against Bristol in the first round of the FA Women’s League Cup.

LIVERPOOL FC

Liverpool currently sits in 6th place, just behind Manchester United as they have 2 wins and 3 draws this season. One of their star players is undoubtedly the Swede Cornelia Kapocs. She wears the number 7 shirt, despite only arriving in August. Kapocs has scored three goals for the Reds, two being in the WSL, and the other being against Newcastle United in their 6-1 victory in the League Cup. The 24-year-old has played 9 out of 10 matches this season, proving her worth to the team.

MANCHESTER CITY

After the loss of young goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck to Barcelona, Manchester City needed to sign another goalkeeper. This player is Japanese international Ayaka Yamashita. The 29-year-old has played in 9 out of 14 matches, becoming manager Gareth Taylor’s first-choice goalkeeper and taking the place of Khiara Keating who won the Golden Glove last season due to her consistency. This change in formation may have come due to her experience, and to give Keating a break after playing in almost every match last season.

MANCHESTER UNITED 

The Dutch and former Wolfsburg defender, Dominique Janssen moved to the United States in July. Janssen was a constant figure in starting lineups for Wolfsburg as she accumulated 158 caps. And this is seeming to continue at United since she has played every match this season. Janssen was a high profile signing as she has been a consistent player for Wolfsburg and brings a stronger sense of security to the Red Devils.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Hayley Raso is a well-known name in the world of women’s football as she has completed spells at Everton, Manchester City, and she has just moved to Tottenham from Real Madrid and she is consistent in her field of play. Although she has only played six games so far this season, she has scored a goal and earned herself yet another call-up to the Australian national team. The 30-year-old wears the number 8 shirt and she does the legacy of the shirt well with her skillful style of play.

WEST HAM UNITED

Finally, the 31-year-old Canadian centre-back Shelina Zadorsky joined West Ham United on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season. This comes after having played half the season on loan at West Ham, and she clearly earned herself a permanent place on the team. Her impact is obvious for The Hammers because she has played nine out of ten matches so far this season.