3 Impressive Chelsea stars at the World Cup so far

With the second match week of the 2023 Women’s World Cup now beginning, we examine the Chelsea Women standouts throughout the competition so far.

Even with two of Chelsea Women superstars suffering injuries that prevented them from featuring in the early stages of the World Cup, there were numerous outings to take note of from the west Londoners. Millie Bright and Jess Carter started together as a center back pairing for England against Haiti while Zecira Musovic played all 90 minutes between the posts for Sweden against the South Africans.

There is still so much more to come from all the Blues as many were not given the opportunity to display their talent on the pitch yet. Out of all the players that made an appearance for their respective countries, here are three that have stood out so far.

3. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd of Chelsea

If it was not for the Blues’ No. 19, Sweden very well could have been on the wrong end of one of the biggest tournament upsets. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd started for Sweden on the right flank, and was one of the most involved players in her nation’s forward play against South Africa. That final piece of quality was not there from a since Swedish player until Kaneryd fired in a cross from the right wing in the 65′. Her cross found the feet of Fridolina Rolfö who equalized the contest at one apiece at the time. It was her third goal contribution in her last seven matches on the international stage.

She was consistently asking questions of the South African backline, finishing the match with the most successful take-on attempts of anyone in yellow and blue. It was more successful dribbles than she completed in any game last summer in England. Alongside two of her former teammates in west London from last season, Kaneryd displayed the kind of energy she has when the west London coaching staff called her name.

Even with tremendous forward players like Stina Blackstenius, Sweden needs someone like Kaneryd who shows little fear to take defenders one-on-one. There is still plenty of room to improve for the winger, especially when it comes to consistently delivering in dangerous balls out wide. With that being said, west London’s No. 19 was a vital difference-maker to Sweden’s first three points of the competition.