3 takeaways as Chelsea Women coast past Reading to hoist fourth straight title

3. In front of Sarina Wiegman, Niamh Charles makes a statement

There is nobody on this CFCW roster that has taken a step forward more the Niamh Charles this season. With the England national team manager watching from the stands, the Blues’ No. 21 gave her even more assurance to why she should make the cut for the World Cup this upcoming July. Charles was both dynamic and sturdy in the back with her team just one win away from the title.

Nobody had more tackles plus interceptions than the English international on Saturday afternoon as she continuously disrupted play and progressed it forward at the same time. Only Sophie Ingle, who also had a stellar match had more progressive passes than Charles who accumulated 10. The 23-year-old completed every take-on she attempted, knifing her way through the Royals’ resistance as she created chances in the final third for her teammates.

She may not have contributed to one of the Blues’ goals in the last two games, but Charles’ influence on the flank was quite evident. Who knows if she knew that Sarina Wiegman was in the stands, but after another display like that it is difficult to see her leave Charles out of the squad for this summer’s tournament. As someone who is growing as a defender while affecting the attack going forward, the Blues’ No. 21 provides a sort of versatility that few players in the English domestic top-flight can provide.