Top 10 Chelsea Women players of the Emma Hayes era

6. Magdalena Erikkson

When you talk about leading by example in the Chelsea Women’s team, the first player that has to come to mind is Swedish international, Magdalena Erikkson. Before Chelsea Women took on Tottenham to open the season in 2019, Hayes named Eriksson as the team captain after Carney retired from the game of football. She may not dazzle you with goals, having netted just seven goals in her 89 appearances for the club, but the versatile Swedish defender is one of the best in the world when it comes to building out of the back.

Her remarkable left foot has the ability to pick out her teammates on a dime. She led the Blues in progressive passes in the WSL for three straight seasons, from 2018 to 2021. Erikkson was a vital piece not only in keeping CFC’s defensive dominance, but her vision with the ball at her feet opened up the pitch for the Blues’ most skilled attacking players.

Whatever she decides to do this upcoming summer with her contract expiring does not affect her status as a Chelsea Women icon. This season, she is being asked to play a position she is not used to, and due to her experience and quality, the Swede has begun to take her new spot in the starting XI in stride.

Eriksson is a role model for equality in the sport of football, and along with her partner, Harder, the two have used their platforms to educate and affect positive change. Eriksson is to the women’s team as Cesar Azpilicueta is to the men’s team. For her quality in the center of the CFC backline, and her presence as a role model, Eriksson is a player that sits among the pantheon of Chelsea legends.