The Women’s Super League (WSL) is set to kick off this Friday, marking the beginning of an exciting season filled with potential breakout stars. Amidst the flurry of managerial changes, prominent signings, and the aftermath of an international tournament, many young talents have flown under the radar—until now. This article highlights ten up-and-coming players, either new to the WSL or ready to step into significant roles, that fans should keep an eye on this season.
Iman Beney — Manchester City
Originally envisioned by her mother as a dancer or an athlete in other disciplines, Iman Beney found herself captivated by the sport when Brazilian legend Marta visited her hometown in Switzerland during a match in 2012. With a strong foundation laid in mixed-gender training until she turned 15, Beney later joined Young Boys Frauen, where she netted 14 goals in 40 appearances before joining Manchester City. At just 19, her impressive performances at the recent Euros helped Switzerland reach the quarter-finals, showcasing her skillful ball control and strategic play—qualities that make her a player to watch.
Nelly Las — Leicester City
With aspirations to emulate the success of Lucy Bronze, Nelly Las has committed herself to training since the age of 11. Her tenacity paid off last season as she made her WSL debut and signed her first professional contract. Now, with Leicester City undergoing a transition following coaching changes, Las is anticipated to take on a more significant role as she continues to develop her abilities as both a right-winger and right-back.
Rion Ishikawa — Everton
Affectionately nicknamed “the tiny one” by her sisters, Rion Ishikawa is anything but small on the pitch. Recently joining Everton from Urawa Red Diamonds, Ishikawa’s formidable presence has already made a mark. At 22, her training in Japan’s JFA Academy has endowed her with aerial prowess and timing in challenges, essential traits for competing in the WSL. Her lively personality adds an extra dimension both on and off the field.
Teyah Goldie — London City Lionesses
A tale of resilience, Teyah Goldie’s career has been hampered by injury, suffering from two ruptured ACLs in just over a year. After making her senior debut at 16 with Arsenal, she impressed during her loan period at London City last season, and this year, she is expected to be a core part of the newly-promoted team’s defense. Her journey makes her one of the season’s most compelling narratives.
Maya Hijikata — Aston Villa
Celebrated for her unique goal celebration known as the “Hijikata Dance,” Maya Hijikata has transitioned to Aston Villa from Japan’s Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza. At 21, she’s being heralded as one of her country’s most promising young strikers. While expectations are high, her prior experience as the sole female player in an all-boys team until the age of 12 prepares her well for the competitive nature of the WSL.
Veerle Buurman — Chelsea
Defending is no easy task, especially for a young player, but Veerle Buurman has all the necessary attributes to thrive. Chelsea secured her last summer and then loaned her to PSV, where she contributed to the team’s extraordinary defensive record. At just 19, Buurman’s positioning and tactical awareness will bolster Chelsea’s defense as they aim for success across competitions this season.
Kirsty Maclean — Liverpool
Kirsty Maclean has earned the nickname ‘Ini’ due to her playstyle reminiscent of legendary midfielder Andrés Iniesta. Now 20 and coming off over 100 appearances with Rangers, she brings an impressive creative flair to Liverpool. Known for her vision and technical skills, Maclean is expected to play a vital role in orchestrating plays as well as being capable of scoring from distance.
Katie Reid — Arsenal
At just 18 years old, Katie Reid is already establishing herself as a key defender for Arsenal. Despite not featuring in the Champions League final, her presence was felt during the celebrations, and her development through the academy shows promise for future contributions. Having secured her place in the first team with consistent performances last season, Reid is poised to further solidify her position this year.
Carla Camacho — Brighton & Hove Albion
Carla Camacho has transitioned to Brighton after a significant period with Real Madrid. Known for her striking instinct and ability to convert chances, the young Spaniard aims to overcome past injuries to make her mark in the WSL. With an eye for goal and a keen sense of positioning, her integration into Brighton will be crucial as they look to enhance their offensive capabilities this season.
Jade Rose — Manchester City
Jade Rose, now 22, effectively showcased her talents in a notable performance against Australia by neutralizing star player Sam Kerr. After joining Manchester City from Harvard University, her ambition and previous experience in elite youth setups could make her an impactful addition as City aims to climb the league standings. Her competitive spirit and dedication to growth will be vital as she navigates this new chapter in her career.
