There were a total of 74 permanent signings made by clubs in the Women’s Super League about the summer window that closed exactly four months ago. Not all players started racing with their new teams – some like Thea Kyvåg already left after a brief pass through pastures again.
While there are a number of reasons why players struggle to settle into their new teams – such as the injuries that have kept some chelseanew recruits off the field, or coach Marc Skinner’s reluctance to allow new players to make an impact on Manchester United – there’s still half a season left for most to prove themselves.
Others, however, have already beefed up their new teams and made the transition with ease. Indeed, as we reach the midpoint of the season, the question of who made the best of the 74 is easier to answer than whether those who struggled will continue to do so.
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So, after four months of seeing how these player acquisitions pan out, here are the top 10 signings of 2022-23 in the WSL – so far – in no particular order:
Aston Villa: MF Kenza Dali and FW Rachel Daly
As we have already seen in this winter window, aston village manager Carla Ward has big plans – but the team have had a lot more joy up front this season since bringing Kenza Dali from Everton and Rachel Daly in Houston Dash. They arrived in separate transfers over the summer, but together they changed the look of the villains.
Far from having just two players who were well adapted to the pace of the league, both have helped Villa maximize their chances during games, with Daly at center forward and currently the WSL’s top scorer. For his part, Dali remains one of the biggest creative influences in the league and the attacking midfielder only looks set to make a deeper impact with whatever rising percentage of possession the Villainesses can find in the second half of the season.
Brighton & Hove Albion: MF/FW Elisabeth Terland
It’s safe to say that brighton haven’t had the smoothest season yet.
However, with a new manager and a slew of new signings ahead of the second half of the season, things are on the verge of stabilizing on the south coast.
Through the ups and downs of the early part of the season, however, Norway Elisabeth Terland he quickly settled into the Brighton team, whether playing on the wing or up front, and became one of the best attacking threats in the first half of the campaign.
Everton: DF Katrine Veje
With Everton undergoing a rebuild this season, things haven’t always gone smoothly for the Toffees and indeed the team have struggled for goals so far this year. However, Veje, a full-back who can play on both sides, has always tried to help his team move up the field and create chances.
While no stranger to the league after spending a season with Arsenal several years ago, the Danish international has quickly taken on a more prominent role at Everton since moving in the summer. With the pieces still coming together on Merseyside, Veje’s willingness to step up and exemplify the modern full-back role will be key for the team, which continues to grow and evolve under new manager Brian Sørensen.
Liverpool: DF Emma Koivisto and DF Gilly Flaherty
Although the results have not always gone LiverpoolThis season the Reds have been showing strong performances in their return to the WSL after a stint in Division Two. Keeping most of the same squad that achieved promotion from the Championship intact, manager Matt Beard only slightly increased his squad ahead of the season – but his signings proved shrewd.
Already established as one of the WSL’s most trusted fullbacks, Emma Koivisto continued at Liverpool as he had at Brighton, consistently offering forward moves from the right-back position. Likewise, central defender Gilly Flaherty brought his wealth of experience to help the Reds stand firm in defence, and after a few defensive mistakes, the team further bolstered their backline.
Manchester City: DF Kerstin Casparij
One of seven summer signings made by man cityDutch defender Kerstin Casparij was arguably the most successful player on the Sky Blues team – just ahead of Laia Alexandri – how she has found a firm foothold since her change of heart twenty.
A steady right-back, Casparij brings consistency to a City side that are still chasing their best form, with many of his team-mates newcomers still in search of a place in Manchester.
Manchester United: DF Maya Le Tissier
A young defender with touted potential, it was no surprise to see Maya Le Tissier adapted to her new team with ease, but her success at centre-back also highlighted how much United’s other summer signings struggled to break into the starting line-up.
Where Le Tissier thrived, fellow summer defensive signing, Aïssatou Tounkara He barely made an appearance, but with the 20-year-old Briton looking so at home in the heart of United’s defence, it’s hard to imagine a change in the status quo.
Tottenham Hotspur: MF Drew Spence
A team with many promises, spurs have failed to reach dizzying heights so far this season, with most of their summer signings failing to make the bill, yet, Drew Spence was a welcome addition to the North London team.
One of Tottenham’s few top scorers so far this season, Spence showed her WSL experience and bolstered her team’s attack in midfield, providing bite to an almost unbearable attack.
West Ham United: FW Viviane Asseyi
Another team undergoing a makeover this season, West Ham made 12 signings over the summer following Paul Konchesky’s promotion to head coach. While the Irons haven’t always dazzled this season, the team has come together in a way that makes sense.
while striker Viviane Asseyi she wasn’t the only player to impress for the Hammers, the French international has adapted quickly to her new club, needing little time to adjust from the Frauen-Bundesliga. As the team continues to grow in the second half of the season and partnerships continue to develop, Asseyi will only benefit more from increased understanding across the team.
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