As we’re coming to the end of the year, here is my FA WSL 2018 best XI, based on the games I have attended and match highlights.
GK Megan Walsh (Yeovil)
Walsh has had a very busy season and performed superbly with bottom of the table team Yeovil. An England call-up would be a fair reward for her consistent performances.
CB Aoife Mannion (Birmingham)
Another consistent player who deserves a chance with England. She anchors the Blues’ defense and also offers consistency in performance throughout the season.
CB Maren Mjelde (Chelsea)
A key player in Chelsea’s title win. An intelligent player who reads the game so well, strong technically and physically. Can play at CB or DM as requested with equally talent performances.
CB Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea)
A strong technical left-foot. Another key player in Chelsea’s title win, having an impact from set pieces and also with her distribution.
DM Lia Walti (Arsenal)
Only half a season in the FA WSL, but she has shown she is a world class DM. She is strong in attacking and defensive transitions, offering balance and options to a very attacking side.
DM Keira Walsh (Man City)
I have not seen enough of her throughout the season to put her in my best 11, but feedback from other people makes it quite clear that she has been one of the strongest performers this season in her role for England and Manchester City.
CM Remi Allen (Reading)
Another strong and physical midfielder who added goals to her repertoire this year. A key player for the Royals who had a solid 2017/18 season.
AM Fran Kirby (Chelsea)
A Ballon d’Or nominated player with technical skill, speed, an eye for goal and a lot of intelligence as well. Another key player for Chelsea in their double season.
AM Georgia Stanway (Man City)
2018 was a breakthrough year for the young playmaker who won a Bronze medal at the u-20 World Cup and celebrated her first England cap with a goal. She can score spectacular long-range goals and well as dictate the game.
FW Anna Miedema (Arsenal)
An exceptional second part of the year after an average start of the year. Clinical in front of the goal once firing on all cylinders and not slowed down by injuries.
FW Ramona Bachmann (Chelsea)
Another speedy forward who can run and take on players. Very creative and has been playing at the top of the game for more than a decade now.
This team would be set-up in 3-3-2-2 and offer the right balance between attack and defence.