Even though Emma Hayes has continued to bring competition into the squad, 23-year-old winger Niamh Charles has been trying to find a way to better herself in a team filled with world class talent. In the Blues’ first preseason match (a loss against Lyon), one of the most encouraging players was Charles, who acted as a left back in a back four, but played much higher up the pitch when in attack. Playing much of her time on the right side of the field last season for Chelsea, Charles adjusted quite nicely and showed she is even more flexible than many thought.
In the midst of the preseason tournament, it was announced that Charles will extend her stay at Kingsmeadow for another three seasons. As such a young player, and someone who is just breaking into the English National Team, Charles has so much room to grow. She has moved to more of a full-time fullback since coming over from Liverpool in 2020. Charles now creates options on both sides of the pitch, in both wingback positions, for Hayes, as she has shown supporters after two matches of the preseason. Thus, she’s a secret weapon in the squad.
Emma Hayes’ secret weapon with the Chelsea Women is Niamh Charles
Following the signing being confirmed, Charles spoke about what a new contract with the Blues meant to her, stating:
"“I’m really proud to have signed a new contract with Chelsea and to continue representing the badge with pride … The past two years have been incredible and I’m excited to continue developing both as an individual and with the team. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in the next few years … I can’t thank the fans enough for the support they’ve shown me and the team and we’re all excited to see them again at Kingsmeadow next week.”"
Charles was the first player off the bench for Chelsea in the 1-0 win over the Portland Thorns in the third place match, contributing on the right side of the pitch this time. Her versatility, strength and youth give Hayes another wide player who has more than taken her game up a level in the offseason. She got in many good positions to succeed against Lyon, and while she did not play in her natural position during the preseason, Charles’ intelligence was clearly there.
In total, Charles only took 12 shots in the WSL last season, but with the way she was moving forward right out of the gate in this new campaign, there could be a lot more of the young English winger causing problems higher up the pitch. Charles never held back against one of the best wingers in all of Europe, Delphine Cascarino. While the Frenchwoman did get by Charles on a few occasions, Chelsea’s versatile wide player put together a quality performance in a position she is not used to playing. Her defensive skills no doubt need some polishing, but the quality and the knowledge are there, and quite promising.
Given the Blues’ loaded back line, Charles is someone who provides Hayes with much more than just an outside back threat. She is a player who can play on all three levels of any formation. Her performance on the left of a back four—acting as more of an attacking winger when the Blues were on the front foot—was a sight that Hayes had to have known was coming. It is quite early in the campaign, but it looks like Charles grew up mentally and physically during the summer. Now, she is making her case to maintain a regular role in the rotation in an even deeper team.
Charles may not be someone who starts consistently, but she can be a player who ignites the attack if the Blues need it throughout various competitions. After two preseason matches, the formation is beginning to look like one where Hayes uses a single fullback as someone who pushes far higher up the pitch in possession. Charles fits the exact mold of what Hayes is attempting to do on the flanks this season, especially given her growing defensive skillset, and knowledge of how to break down a defense in the back.
Seeing as her new contract is now official, it’s obvious Charles is going to be a key part of the Blues’ first team for a long time coming. How big of a role do you see the young Englishwoman playing this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!