Chelsea Women: How did the Blues’ loanees across England fare this season?

Aggie Beever-Jones

Club: Everton

Out of all the Chelsea loanees this past season in the United Kingdom, nobody had a better campaign than Aggie Beever-Jones with the Toffees. The 19-year-old attacker played a part in 16 WSL matches, starting in seven of them and netting two in the process. Beever-Jones was one of eight Toffees to score two or more goals in the league. For someone at her age, Everton’s No. 15 looked fearless against opponents with far more top-flight experience.

From the moment she found the back of the net for the first time in an EFC shirt against Aston Villa in the Conti Cup, Beever-Jones continued to build. One of the goals was a winner against Tottenham at home in stoppage time, a match in which she entered in the 71′. Not only was it is quality display due to the goal, Beever-Jones was dynamic going forward, forcing Spurs’ defenders to foul her on more than one occasion. Her explosiveness brings back flashbacks from when Eden Hazard donned the CFC kit.

Against West Ham a few months earlier, the English youth international would find the back of the net eight minutes after coming onto the pitch. Even though her game-winner vs Spurs was impressive, Beever-Jones’ strike from outside the box for the Toffees’ third of the game against the Irons was sensational. She received the pass from Aurora Galli, took two touches, and struck the ball with such power and precision that the opposition’s goalkeeper stood no chance. The goal was voted Everton’s Goal of the Month in January.

Her campaign in northern England was brought to a sudden halt when she was issued a straight red card for her audacious challenge on Lia Walti. Despite that, manager Brian Sorensen expressed interest in bringing the youngster back for next season due to her threat in the attack and willingness to learn.

Chelsea Women have yet to make a decision on Beever-Jones, but there is so much to like about her first dive into the WSL. Whether it was her pace running at backlines, the vision going forward, or the quality with the ball at her feet in tight spaces, Beever-Jones demonstrated she has what it takes to play top-flight football.

Lucy Watson

Club: Charlton Athletic

After coming from Sheffield to west London in July, Lucy Watson went out on loan for another season in the Championship. The former Blade, who is viewed by many including Hayes as one of the best young attacking players in England scored eight goals in 22 FA Women’s Championship games throughout the 2021/2022 season. The hope was after signing a two-year deal with Hayes’ side, a loan to a team in east London would continue to build her confidence and knowledge coming off of a strong campaign with Sheffield United.

Unfortunately, that did not happen as Watson was forced to return to Cobham early after suffering a torn ACL in mid-September. The Barnsley native would have surgery, and is currently working to make a comeback under the guidance of the CFC medical staff. 

Which Chelsea loanee impressed you the most?