2. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
The 26-year-old west London attacker Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has only appeared in 26 contests for her Swedish national team including the recent closed doors friendly, but this summer has the potential to be her breakout. The Blues’ No. 19 has scored in two out of the five international matches in which she played a part in 2023. Due to her quickness, and one on one abilities, the midfielder could be critical in Sweden’s consistency at breaking down opponent’s backline.
Sofia Jakobsson is going to challenge for minutes ahead of her on the right wing, but Kaneryd is much younger and far more dynamic than the San Diego Wave winger. In a relatively weak group at the beginning, Kaneryd’s dynamism in the final third has the capacity to lead to plenty of goals for her nation. No matter what kind of role she is given, Kaneryd’s influence on the Swedish national team is undeniable. Her work rate not only when it comes to touches in the opposition’s penalty area, but defensively make west London’s No. 19 a game changing talent for one of the top contenders in the tournament.
Nattens målskyttar mot Filippinerna 🇵🇭
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) July 17, 2023
Stina Blackstenius ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd ⚽️
Fridolina Rolfö ⚽️#SWE | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/OcHdmeRYN1
Her playing time fluctuated during the club season, but Blues’ fans should see No. 19 on the pitch much more frequently during this tournament. With Fridolina Rolfö on the opposite flank, and Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius leading the line, Kanyerd will be linking up with two of the world’s best. It could be up for debate, but when the Blue and Yellow need someone to beat a defender one on one, the 2022-2023 WSL champion has to be choice No. 1.