Now that the Chelsea Women’s season has come to a close, it is time to give out some awards to the players that made the success of this team possible.
Just like that, it is all over. Nine months, 32 wins across all competitions, and two trophies. The consistency of the Chelsea Women in women’s football domestically across England continues to be a remarkable storyline. Players have come and gone, but the culture that Emma Hayes has embedded in this club remains the same. After the first week of the campaign, doubt began to sink in, but just a few months later, the Blues have two new pieces of silverware in their cabinet and a Champions League run to be more than proud of. At times, the quality of football wavered, but just like this club always has, it saves the best for last.
From the introduction of Lauren James back into the team to the west Londoners’ ability to cope with injuries, this campaign was one that will be remembered for a plethora of reasons. The west London side said goodbye to both Magdalena Eriksson, and Pernille Harder while locking down many of its key players to long-term contracts.
The end of any campaign requires both reflection and forward thinking. Before the offseason gets off and running, it is time to hand out some miscellaneous end of season awards to the individuals that made the success of this year’s team come to fruition:
Most Improved Player: Niamh Charles
The English international Niamh Charles provides arguably the most versatility than any other CFC player on the roster. She can play on the wing in the frontline, in the midfield, and now as one of the wing backs. In the middle of the season, the Blues’ No. 21 went from playing as one of the highest players up the pitch like in the FA Cup against Reading to left back against Aston Villa a few weeks later. Charles just a few years ago got exposed against Barcelona in the Champions League final, but in 2023, the English international grew into the player Hayes always saw her to be.
It always seemed like Charles had a chip on her shoulder from day one, attempting to prove to her country that she deserved to be on the team that won the Euros during the summer. The Blues’ No. 21 was one of just seven players with seven or more goal contributions throughout the league campaign. The passing asset of her game was one thing that stood out, especially her ability to complement Eve Perisset on the other wing with her crosses. Only Sophie Ingle, who had a stellar campaign herself had more progressive passes than Charles in the league.
First major tournament coming up. 🏴 #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/Xwk91Cfbat
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) May 31, 2023
Charles started in 10 more matches in Europe and the English top-flight combined compared to last year, more then quadrupling her highest even goal contribution season tally from any season in blue. The former Liverpool attacker increased her total in a multitude of statistical categories, making the choice for this award a relatively simple one. For someone that is only 23-years-old, there are ways in which Hayes and the rest the coaching staff can help her grow her game. Given the jump she made this season, and the drive to take her game to the next level, it is very likely that the best is yet to come for Charles.