Taking a look at Chelsea Women’s latest signing Ashley Lawrence

Since June 1, the Blues have extended two crucial pieces to their success last season, and added three new additions to the squad going forward. Lawrence’s arrival comes just days after left-back Alejandra Bernabé put pen to paper on a contract before going back out on loan with Real Sociedad. Bernabé is a youthful player of the future, while Lawrence is a wing back that can slot right into the senior team in September.

The Toronto native has been to a Champions League final, hoisted a domestic title, and been a part of a gold medal winning team in the Olympics. Her honors go beyond just the team level. Lawrence won the 2019 Canada Soccer Player of the Year, something Fleming and Buchanan both won more than once. She also finished eighth in the 2021 Ballon d’Or voting, just ahead of Fran Kirby and Fleming.

While Manchester United continue to crumble having lost two of its most influential players, the west Londoners move another step toward a potential UEFA Women’s Champions League title. It makes perfect sense why Hayes was so attracted to Lawrence in the first place. She not only is considered one of the best full backs in the world, but has shown an ability to contribute on both flanks if needed. Versatility is something that Hayes is keen on having in as many of her players as possible not knowing what kind of campaign could unfold before her eyes.

Since 2017, she has called Paris home, starting in all but three league matches over the last two campaigns. Lawrence is an extremely good ball progressor, playing a part in the attack through her passing or progressive carries. She was the only player on her club side, and one of five in Division 1 Féminine last season with over 120 progressive passes. In all competitions, the Blues’ new No. 12 had over 128 final third entries, and 155 progressive passes in 2022/2023.