Four of England's Lionesses make our best XI, as does one of Emma Hayes' most recent United States debutantes…
As the Women's Super League season prepares to come to a close this weekend, there might not be much final-day drama to get stuck into, with Chelsea having already wrapped up the title, Arsenal and Manchester United joining them in securing Champions League places and Crystal Palace's relegation confirmed. However, there are plenty of individuals vying for records and accolades in the final round of fixtures, including the Golden Boot.
Injuries to some of the star names in the English top-flight mean that some of those we've become accustomed to seeing battle for the latter award are not in the mix, with Sam Kerr absent all season long and Vivianne Miedema's campaign coming to an early conclusion. That Khadija Shaw has not played since early March and remains joint-first in the scoring charts is remarkable, but there could well be a new name on that accolade this weekend as she remains on the sidelines.
That itself feels like a theme from this season – new names making their mark on the league. However, there are still plenty of well-known faces running the show, several of whom make it into GOAL's Team of the 2024-25 WSL Season…
Getty ImagesGK: Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Man Utd)
There are several goalkeepers in the WSL who have had strong seasons this year. Courtney Brosnan has impressed between the sticks for Everton, while Kinga Szemik has also caught the eye during her first season in England with West Ham. However, it's Phallon Tullis-Joyce who earns the starting spot in this XI after stepping up to the plate brilliantly at Manchester United.
The American had big shoes to fill after Mary Earps' departure in the summer, and she's done that exceptionally well, with her now one clean sheet off the England star's record for the most in a single WSL season. Those 13 in 21 games have been enough to put her in pole position to win the Golden Glove, too.
Of course, that is also due to a great defence in front of her, but the stats do a great job of supporting the eye test and identifying the particular role Tullis-Joyce has played in United's solidity. Her expected goals against stat stands at 20.88, but she has only actually conceded 12. That's a remarkable differential – and her save percentage is also the highest in the division of goalkeepers to have played more than two games. She's been incredible.
AdvertisementGettyRB: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
When you think about this incredible Chelsea team, one which has now won six-successive WSL titles, it's usually the attacking depth that comes to mind – or at least it has been over the years, with names like Kerr, Lauren James, Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder regularly grabbing the headlines throughout this dynasty. In Sonia Bompastor's first season in charge of the Blues, though, it has been their qualities in defence that has stood out.
Lucy Bronze, signed by Bompastor in the summer, is one of those who has thrived in an extremely reliable and consistent back four. Ranking among Chelsea's top three players for aerial duels won, blocks made and possession won, while leading the way in interceptions, the England full-back has been excellent in the WSL this season. That she sits just outside the WSL's top 10 when it comes to chances created, despite not taking set-pieces and sometimes moving into a centre-back role, offers a look at the renowned attacking elements she has brought to the table, too.
Arsenal's Emily Fox, Manchester United's Jayde Riviere and Manchester City's Kerstin Casparij all deserve honourable mentions here for how well they have performed throughout a season that has been particularly fruitful for right-backs, but it is Bronze who sneaks ahead to secure this spot.
Getty ImagesCB: Nathalie Bjorn (Chelsea)
Next up in the Chelsea defensive roll call is Nathalie Bjorn, whose first full season at the Blues has been superb. Identified by Emma Hayes as someone who could step up to another level when she was signed from Everton in January 2024, the Sweden international has justified that assessment this term, even if her performances have gone under the radar at times.
"She’s been incredible for us," Millie Bright, her centre-back partner, said last month. "She is a vital part of the dressing room, she keeps everyone together and sometimes goes unnoticed a little bit as well. It’s so easy to play alongside her, she gives everyone that confidence. She is such a team player. As long as the team performs and wins that’s all she cares about."
Thanks to Bjorn's excellent defensive work, the Chelsea have done exactly that, picking up that sixth-successive WSL title because of the strong foundation laid by a top-class back line.
Getty ImagesCB: Millie Bright (Chelsea)
Arguably the most impressive piece of that Chelsea defence has been Bright, who has returned to her very best level this season after a couple of campaigns that have been hindered by injuries. It's not been easy to be a centre-back for the Blues this term, either. Injuries to Kadeisha Buchanan, Maelys Mpome and Naomi Girma have often left Bright and Bjorn as Bompastor's only two options in that position, giving them a heavier workload than anticipated, but both have performed admirably despite that.
"It's always positive when one of your leaders, and the main leader in Chelsea, is performing at that level," the Blues' boss said of Bright earlier this season. "I think she just sets the tone for everyone else and as a captain, she shows the example."
