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Chelsea 3-2 Roma: 3 talking points from positive pre-season start

By Caden Charpentier

KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: General view inside the stadium prior to the FA Women's Super League match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Kingsmeadow on March 08, 2023 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Getty Images)
KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: General view inside the stadium prior to the FA Women's Super League match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Kingsmeadow on March 08, 2023 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Getty Images) /
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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 02: Sjoeke Nuesken in action during a Germany open training session during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Perry Park on August 02, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 02: Sjoeke Nuesken in action during a Germany open training session during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Perry Park on August 02, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images) /

2. German Sjoeke Nüsken has that “it” factor

After not seeing much time with her nation in the World Cup this summer, German midfielder Sjoeke Nusken demonstrated just how valuable she could be this season. The Blues’ new No. 6 was aggressive when it came to pressing, calm in her distribution, and determined carrying the ball forward.

From the minute that she subbed on at the end of the first 45 minutes, it was clear why she led the entire Frauen-Bundesliga in tackles plus interceptions. It looks like no matter where Hayes deploys her come the beginning of the campaign, she has the capability to make a difference. When Cuthbert is back on the team sheet, every manager in the English top-flight should be shaking if her and Nusken were to play alongside each other. Many had no idea Eve Perisset was going to be the signing of the summer last year. That could be the same type of storyline for Nusken.

1. Fran Kirby is not only back, she’s ready to compete

The last time the English forward/midfielder Fran Kirby stepped between the white lines of a football pitch was back on February 9. Not for a minute did it look like the west London legend was just returning from to the starting lineup. She made it back in time for pre-season, and that hard work without question paid off.

She contributed 77 minutes, far more than anyone would have expected due to her knee and the fact that it is pre-season. If she looks like this now, there is no telling what version of Kirby the WSL is going to get in a few weeks time. The English star bagged an assist, leaving it off to Reiten to set up the opening goal in front of the home fans.

dark. Next. Chelsea 0-1 Forest : 3 Blues talking points

With her healthy, Hayes has endless possibilities for midfield combinations throughout the season. If it was not for the involvement of former Tottenham goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela, she would have put one in the back of the net on her return. It was as if the injury no time had passed between her last appearance and this one.

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