Perisset or Charles: Who should be Chelsea’s first choice?

With Perisset out due to injury in the FA Cup against Liverpool, Charles took advantage, becoming a nuisance on the right side of the defense for the Reds. She found Sam Kerr twice in the box to collect two assists to bring her total up to three in all competitions. The French international may have failed to execute an assist so far during her first year in west London, but Perisset leads the team in total crosses across both the Women’s Super League and Champions League. Perisset is also second on the team, behind Sophie Ingle in progressive passes at 61.

Charles struggled mightily against Arsenal at the Emirates to kick off WSL action after the break, conceding a penalty as she failed to contain Australian Caitlin Foord as she drove at the Blues’ backline on numerous instances. Charles is an inverted winger that played higher up the pitch for much of her career while Perisset has spent the majority of her time during her professional career in different spots of the backline.

The Englishwomen’s defensive skillset is still developing, but her anticipation, and ability to disrupt attacking plays by the opposition has been something to take note of as the season moves into February. Charles is second on the team in tackles plus interceptions in the WSL and Champions League, behind only the Blues’ most consistent player this season, Erin Cuthbert.

Her phenomenal beginning of the season with the Blues earned her a place back on the English national team, starting against Norway, and Japan during the November international window. Charles’ versatility allows Hayes to play her higher up the pitch if need be, but for the most part this season, Charles has played as a wing back, predominantly on the right hand side.