Let's play a game. Your new multi-billionaire owners have given you carte blanche to bring on one more player. Who is the One who tips the Thorns into dynasty?
I'll go first. Naomi Girma. We become the late 90s Courage winning four Shields and three titles through 2029.
Let's play a game. Your new multi-billionaire owners have given you carte blanche to bring on one more player. Who is the One who tips the Thorns into dynasty?
I'll go first. Naomi Girma. We become the late 90s Courage winning four Shields and three titles through 2029.
Keeping in mind that a dynasty implies longevity (and thus young or at least young-ish players), I'd have to pick from:
Khiara Keating (ManCity GK): I think our 'keeper squad is good...but Keating is simply world class. She makes the occasional "young 'keeper" mistake, but not often, and that's likely a self-correcting problem as she gains experience. I mean...she's only 19! Unmatched ceiling.
Aoba Fujino (Verdy Beleza F): My pick for Olympic golden boot (although she's actually got a slight case of the yips in front of goal for Beleza right now). Fast, supremely skilled, and has that attacker's killer instinct. Picking her among lots of great young attackers because she's a natural right side player to team with Soph and Weaver (allowing Hina to play centrally). 20 years old.
And another "gotta agree" about Naomi Girma. I think she's going to be the consensus best CB in the world in not too long.
If forced to narrow it down like the OP ask: Keating.
Gotta agree with Girma from both a talent and team-need perspective. Not sure there's another CB in the world I'd want more and we definitely need CBs.
My top 3 aside from Girma (excluding Bonmati cause that feels like cheating, and yes two of them play for Arsenal):
- Katie McCabe (Total psychopath in a position of need, also one of my favorite players in the world)
- Lena Oberdorf (could play in a filthy double pivot with Sam)
- Leah Williamson (Elite ball-playing CB, great leader)
Another I would consider but we don't actually need is Jaeden Shaw from SD. I think she is a transcendent number 10. Strong on ball, creative footwork when needed, and unreal vision and touch on the pass. Said it here before bit she should be the starting 10 for USWNT. She elevates all around her and only 19.
Let's play a game. Your new multi-billionaire owners have given you carte blanche to bring on one more player. Who is the One who tips the Thorns into dynasty?
I'll go first. Naomi Girma. We become the late 90s Courage winning four Shields and three titles through 2029.
Keeping in mind that a dynasty implies longevity (and thus young or at least young-ish players), I'd have to pick from:
Khiara Keating (ManCity GK): I think our 'keeper squad is good...but Keating is simply world class. She makes the occasional "young 'keeper" mistake, but not often, and that's likely a self-correcting problem as she gains experience. I mean...she's only 19! Unmatched ceiling.
Aoba Fujino (Verdy Beleza F): My pick for Olympic golden boot (although she's actually got a slight case of the yips in front of goal for Beleza right now). Fast, supremely skilled, and has that attacker's killer instinct. Picking her among lots of great young attackers because she's a natural right side player to team with Soph and Weaver (allowing Hina to play centrally). 20 years old.
And another "gotta agree" about Naomi Girma. I think she's going to be the consensus best CB in the world in not too long.
If forced to narrow it down like the OP ask: Keating.
Gotta agree with Girma from both a talent and team-need perspective. Not sure there's another CB in the world I'd want more and we definitely need CBs.
My top 3 aside from Girma (excluding Bonmati cause that feels like cheating, and yes two of them play for Arsenal):
- Katie McCabe (Total psychopath in a position of need, also one of my favorite players in the world)
- Lena Oberdorf (could play in a filthy double pivot with Sam)
- Leah Williamson (Elite ball-playing CB, great leader)
lol McCabe as a psychopath. she definetly puts fear in the oppositions eyes. Love it.
Sophia Smith and whomever she wants us to sign
Another I would consider but we don't actually need is Jaeden Shaw from SD. I think she is a transcendent number 10. Strong on ball, creative footwork when needed, and unreal vision and touch on the pass. Said it here before bit she should be the starting 10 for USWNT. She elevates all around her and only 19.