Chelsea’s 2023-24: player ratings for Women’s Super League title winners

Goalkeepers

Hannah Hampton Brought in from Aston Villa in the summer, it looked as if she would have to settle for little game time with two more established goalkeepers ahead of her. The 23-year-old had to wait until December for her WSL debut but caught the eye with her ability and distribution. She went on to make 10 league starts, although she was replaced by Mušović for the last three games. 7

Zećira Mušović The Swedish goalkeeper came into this season off the back of a strong World Cup maybe with hopes of gaining the Chelsea No 1 shirt. Instead, she has had to accept a bit-part role again. She started the first three games before giving way to Berger but finished the campaign strongly, keeping clean sheets in the last three matches that saw out the title win. 7

Ann-Katrin Berger Her Chelsea career came to an unceremonious end when she departed for Gotham FC and the NWSL in April. It had been a frustrating season for Berger, who found herself out of favour. She made only five starts and there were rumours of a falling-out with Emma Hayes after comments made by her Germany manager, Horst Hrubesch. 6

Defenders

Jess Carter It has been another campaign where Carter has gone from strength to strength. She became one of Hayes’s most reliable fixtures and can play equally well all across the backline. Stepped up in the absence of Millie Bright. Her player-of-the-match performance away to Barcelona epitomised the energy and defensive vision she brings to Chelsea. 8

Niamh Charles One of Chelsea’s standout performers. The only player to have started every league game, she made the left-back role her own. Her strength down the wing, ability to support attacks and strong relationship with Lauren James and Guro Reiten in front of her caught the eye. Shared the captaincy with Erin Cuthbert in the absence of Bright. 9

Ashley Lawrence A solid first season in west London, whether starting or coming off the bench. Arguably one of the best attacking full-backs and has been used further up the pitch on occasion. Sometimes hasn’t provided the defensive solidity needed, which is probably why she amassed only 10 league starts. 7

Ève Périsset Progress this season was evident. She hit a pink patch of form halfway through and took advantage of Lawrence’s unavailability during the Gold Cup. Ever-reliable, tenacious in a tackle and full of non-stop running. Standout performance against Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final but found herself less called upon in recent weeks. 8

Kadeisha Buchanan With all her experience, Buchanan might have been expected to step up a little more, particularly in the absence of Bright and Nathalie Björn. Struggled to make a real impact, however, amassing only five league starts. Weaknesses one-on-one were clear to see. Sent off in the semi-final defeat by Barcelona. 6

Millie Bright Started strongly as a stalwart in the backline and her leadership qualities are unmatched. But a recurrence of the knee problem that had put her World Cup hopes in jeopardy meant she missed a crucial four months. Her return came just in time to help Chelsea to their fifth consecutive title. 7

Nathalie Björn The January signing became an instant hit with Hayes and the fans. Arriving from Everton, she went straight into the heart of defence and looked at home immediately. Injury impeded her full impact and the best is surely yet to come. 7

Maren Mjelde A Chelsea legend who has had to spend much of this campaign watching from the sidelines. Always reliable, she bids a fond farewell after an impressive seven seasons. 6

Aniek Nouwen Made one appearance off the bench before rupturing an ACL in a friendly with the Netherlands Under-23s. N/A

Midfielders

Erin Cuthbert Seems to reach a new level every season. Her energy brings intensity to the midfield and dictates how Chelsea like to play. Strong going forward and a keen eye for goal. Stepped up in a leadership role to co-captain with Charles. One of the players Hayes most relies upon. 9

Sjoeke Nüsken One of the WSL signings of the season. Deployed predominantly in midfield but has shown her versatility by playing in practically every position bar goalkeeper. Reliable and strong in a challenge but equally with an ability to make key attacking runs into the box. Eight goals and three assists a strong return. 8

Melanie Leupolz Ever reliable at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield when fit. Partnership with Cuthbert has been crucial to Chelsea’s success. Used as the deeper midfielder to protect the defence and has an innate ability to read the play. 7

Sophie Ingle Used less frequently this season but consistent when called upon. Maybe losing a little of her capabilities as the years go on but Hayes knew she was a player she could rely on. Quiet leader on and off the field. 6

Jelena Cankovic Frequent injury issues restricted the attacking midfielder to a handful of starts. Struggled to make an impact when she did play. Hopes that with a return to full fitness Chelsea will start to see the best of her. 6

Jessie Fleming Departed for Portland Thorns in January after four years. Struggled to get consistent game time she desired before a big international year with Canada. 6

Forwards

Lauren James A true breakout season for Chelsea’s ‘maverick’. An undeniable talent, she is at times unstoppable when driving forward with the ball. Her 13 goals illustrate the productivity she has added to her game and she is particularly partial to a goal at Stamford Bridge. Perhaps most impressively has developed her off-the-ball work hugely over the past eight months. 9

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd Has come on leaps and bounds. Her pace down the wing has caused many a defender multiple problems and her 10 league goal contributions show an increase in productivity. Has the versatility to be used in the wing-back role too, as shown against Barcelona. One of Chelsea’s most improved players. 8

Guro Reiten Struggled with injury early in the campaign and took time to get into her rhythm. Always reliable and adds potency down the left flank. Her four-goal performance against Bristol City epitomised Chelsea’s desire to overturn their goal difference deficit with three games to play. 7

Sam Kerr Looked to be getting back to her best just before rupturing an ACL. Slow start to the season after World Cup injury woes but took on the captaincy and was starting to find the back of the net more regularly. Season curtailed in January. 7

Mayra Ramírez The Colombian forward has hit the ground running since arriving in January for a British record fee. Her strength, pace and technique are enough to frighten any defence. Struggled with injury in the final weeks and will surely be much more settled at the start of the next campaign. 7

Aggie Beever-Jones A breakout season for the 20-year-old, who has stepped up to the challenge during Chelsea’s injury crisis. Still figuring out her best role in the frontline but her goal return is significant. Finished with 11 goals and two assists – James and Alessia Russo are the only England players to have scored more. Rewarded with a senior Lionesses call-up. 8

Mia Fishel The 23-year-old American was brought in with an eye to the future. Undeniably talented but struggled to really get going in a Chelsea shirt, despite a goal on her debut against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. An ACL injury cut short her short on the eve of the Gold Cup. 6

Catarina Macario Time was taken with Macario after she had sustained an ACL injury in June 2022. It would be 641 days before she took to the field again but she made an immediate impact, scoring her first Chelsea goal within six minutes of her debut. Struggled to impact at times as she continues her recovery. 6

Fran Kirby It has been a quiet season for one of Chelsea’s greats and she has struggled for game time. Announced that she would be leaving after nine years. Icing on the cake was a goal on her final appearance, at Old Trafford, as Chelsea lifted the title. 6

Maika Hamano Returned from loan at Hammarby after sustaining an injury and had to wait until December to make her debut. A strong talent for the future but needs time to bed in. Scored her first goal against Aston Villa. 6