Women’s Super League: Team of the season so far

The Women’s Super League is set to resume this weekend, following a month long winter break.

And the first part of the 2023-24 campaign saw a number of players put in starring performances for their respective clubs, across the competition’s opening ten gameweeks. 

So we’ve created a statistical team of the season so far, after digging into the data using Twenty3’s Toolbox…

Goalkeeper: Janina Leitzig (Leicester)

No goalkeeper has had a busier time than Leicester’s Janina Leitzig.

The Foxes No1 has not been afforded great protection defensively, facing more shots than any other stopper (77), but has held her line, leading the save charts with 56.

Leitzig has also helped in possession, completing 337 passes and two through-balls — the most of any keeper.

Right-back: Katie McCabe (Arsenal)

At right-back is the incredibly versatile Katie McCabe.

Arsenal’s No15 has played an inverted role for Jonas Eidevall’s outfit and leads the way for WSL right-backs in goals (three), dribbles completed (22) and deliveries into the final third (21). 

But McCabe has proved equally effective at the back, coming out on top in 74 of her 105 defensive duels. 

Her impressive attacking repertoire adds a different dimension to Arsenal going forward.

Centre-back: Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)

Manchester City have been the best defensive side in 2023-24, largely thanks to the efforts of Alex Greenwood.

The England international has been formidable, snuffing out scoring chances and kick-starting attacks. 

No WSL player has averaged more pass receptions (61.45) or completed passes (68.8) per 90 minutes. 

She also looks to carry the ball forward, recording a division-leading 11 successful dribbles among centre-backs.

Centre-back: Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Arsenal’s early season defensive struggles have largely been banished thanks to the imperious Lotte Wubben-Moy.

The England international has kept the likes of Khadija Shaw and Sam Kerr at bay, and she ranks inside the top 10 for loose ball duels won (14) and aerial duels won (26).

Furthermore, Wubben-Moy is just as strong in possession, completing 99 passes into the final third. No player in the WSL has managed more.

Left-back: Niamh Charles (Chelsea)

An attacking player by trade, Niamh Charles has adapted well to the left-back role for Emma Hayes’ title-chasing Chelsea.

The 24-year-old has an impressive four assists and chipped in with a clinical finish during the Blues’ 6-0 win over Aston Villa.

She leads WSL left-backs in progressive runs (37), aerial duels won (18), ball recoveries completed in the opponent’s half (56) and successful crosses (13).

Charles possesses all the attributes of an elite full-back and will be a key player for table-topping Chelsea heading into the second half of the season.

Defensive midfielder: Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)

While mega-summer signing Jill Roord has taken much of the attention at City, Yui Hasegawa has continued to thrive at the base of midfield.

The Japanese star has recorded 79 ball recoveries in the opponent’s half, 15 of which were considered dangerous — in both she managed more than any other player in the WSL.

She has been equally important going forward, featuring in 58 sequences that ended in a shot and ranking first against the league’s other midfielders.

Hasegawa’s reading of the game and composure on the ball have kept City ticking.

Central midfielder: Katie Zelem (Manchester United)

Katie Zelem has been an integral part of Manchester United’s midfield and is posting some impressive stats in the process.

Among WSL central midfielders, the 27-year-old has registered the most shots assisted (25), aerial duels won (28) and long passes completed (34).

Especially deadly from dead-ball situations, Zelem has led the way for Marc Skinner’s side.

Central midfielder: Victoria Pelova (Arsenal)

Victoria Pelova has really shone through in the first half of the WSL season.

Arsenal’s midfield maestro has already registered a league-leading four assists and completed all eight of her key pass attempts.

Pelova often controls the tempo of matches, and her ability to jink between defenders to open opportunities for her team-mates sets her apart.

Left wing: Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)

Lauren Hemp has continued to improve for Manchester City this season.

The youngster has scored five times and assisted twice, showing composure in front of goal while also taking on much of the creative burden for Gareth Taylor’s unit.

Despite starting just seven games, Hemp leads the WSL for expected assists (3.52) — a total that has been accumulated entirely from open play.

Striker: Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has continued as she started last season — scoring goals for fun.

Manchester City’s centre-forward has been lethal in the final third during the first ten games of the WSL campaign, bagging a league-high nine goals.

She has performed in line with her league-leading 7.61 expected goals tally, proving a constant threat with 69 touches inside the opposition box.

Her movement inside the penalty area and ability to consistently finish chances rivals the very best in the world.

While she was just pipped to the Golden Boot by Rachel Daly last term, Shaw is certainly in with a chance of claiming her first this time around.

Right wing: Lauren James (Chelsea)

Chelsea star Lauren James has continued her rapid rise to the top of football, with seven goals already to her name this season.

The 22-year-old is efficient on the ball, completing 30 of her 40 dribble attempts, and also ranks inside the league’s top five for shot attempts (56).

Her direct, elusive dribbling is too much for most defences and could help the Blues claim a remarkable fifth consecutive WSL title.

All visualisations in this article were produced with the Twenty3 Toolbox. For more information, please get in touch below.