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Best women's footballers aged 23 or below (as of May 1st 2020)
A thread:
A thread:
1. Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal, 
)
Position: ST
Age: 23
One of the best players in the world rn. At 23 she is the all time top goalscorer for Netherlands (both men's & women's) with 69G. She is WSL's top scorer & assist provider this season(16G, 8A). She is UWCL's top scorer.
)Position: ST
Age: 23
One of the best players in the world rn. At 23 she is the all time top goalscorer for Netherlands (both men's & women's) with 69G. She is WSL's top scorer & assist provider this season(16G, 8A). She is UWCL's top scorer.
An intelligent striker that can do a lot of damage with min touches. She is very efficient on the ball & is always looking to create goalscoring opportunities for herself or her teammates. Very good with both feet.
In a game against Bristol City she scored 6 & assisted another 4
In a game against Bristol City she scored 6 & assisted another 4
Her understanding of the game is second to none. She knows when to drop deep to drag the CBs out of position or when to make a blindside run to go for the ball or when to shoot and when to pass, which is what makes her a nightmare to deal with.
2. Keira Walsh (Manchester City, 
)
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Playing as a part of a double pivot alongside Weir this season for City, Walsh has been a standout. She is brilliant on the ball & her reading of the game is amazing. She makes the difficult look easy on the ball
)Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Playing as a part of a double pivot alongside Weir this season for City, Walsh has been a standout. She is brilliant on the ball & her reading of the game is amazing. She makes the difficult look easy on the ball
Some of the passes that she plays on the field are almost invisible to the normal viewer but she executes them with elan. She isn't perfect as she often loses out in a physical tussle which is a problem when playing as an anchor but she has time to improve that. Quite underrated.
3. Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea, 
)
Position: Winger
Age: 21
The flamboyant winger can make defenders look like amateurs at times with her dribbling skills. She is averaging 0.51 G+A per 90 in WSL this season with 2 goals & 4 assists in 12 starts.
)Position: Winger
Age: 21
The flamboyant winger can make defenders look like amateurs at times with her dribbling skills. She is averaging 0.51 G+A per 90 in WSL this season with 2 goals & 4 assists in 12 starts.
She has been one of the key cogs of the rampant Chelsea side. She is mature in her decision making and her crossing is great as well. She often sits wide but moves into the channels to disrupt backlines whenever the opportunity comes. She loves to take on players.
4. Ewa Pajor (Wolfsburg, 
)
Position: ST
Age: 23
Ewa Pajor burst onto the scene at the age of 15 when she became the youngest player to play in the Polish top flight. She was voted the best player at UEFA U-17 Women's Championship in 2013.
)Position: ST
Age: 23
Ewa Pajor burst onto the scene at the age of 15 when she became the youngest player to play in the Polish top flight. She was voted the best player at UEFA U-17 Women's Championship in 2013.
She has finally settled & is showing her real level among the stars at Wolfsburg. She was the top scorer in the league last season with 24G in 19 apps, 28 in all competitions from 27 games. In 19/20 she has 13G forming a deadly duo with Harder. She has 33G in 59 apps for Poland.
She isn't far from becoming the all time top scorer for
She has the pace to beat & is lethal in front of goal. She has natural instincts of a striker & is smart with her movements. She's often overlooked playing with Harder but she is one of the best.
She has the pace to beat & is lethal in front of goal. She has natural instincts of a striker & is smart with her movements. She's often overlooked playing with Harder but she is one of the best.
5. Delphine Cascarino (Lyon, 
)
Position: Winger
Age: 23
She was a part of the France team that won the U-17 Women's World Cup in 2012, scoring her penalty in the final. She has 4G & 5A from 20 games (11 starts) this season in all competitions. She is quick footed & skillful.
)Position: Winger
Age: 23
She was a part of the France team that won the U-17 Women's World Cup in 2012, scoring her penalty in the final. She has 4G & 5A from 20 games (11 starts) this season in all competitions. She is quick footed & skillful.
A flamboyant winger, who can beat you for skill/pace is a nightmare for every FB. She is also capable of playing with her back to goal, making neat little exchanges with the mid/forward & running into space. She likes to cutback & is capable of finishing the move as well.
6. Nahikari Garcia (Real Sociedad, 
)
Position: Forward
Age: 23
She is the current club captain & has over 150 apps. She lead them to a Copa de La Reina title in 2019 by scoring the winner against Atletico Madrid. Her goalscoring tally stands at 85 & has improved each season.
)Position: Forward
Age: 23
She is the current club captain & has over 150 apps. She lead them to a Copa de La Reina title in 2019 by scoring the winner against Atletico Madrid. Her goalscoring tally stands at 85 & has improved each season.
She has represented Spain every youth level. She won the golden boot in 2013 UEFA U-17 Championship (where Pajor was voted best player). She was the captain in 2016 UEFA U19 Championship where Spain won the silver medal.
She has over 35 goals at various youth levels for.
She has over 35 goals at various youth levels for
.
She has the pace & the skills on the ball to score. She is a natural goalscorer as can be seen by her goals. She also has FK in her arsenal. She is also smart with her movements to open up space. She leads by an example on the pitch & is very mature.
7. Leah Williamson (Arsenal, )
Position: CB/Midfielder
Age: 22
A midfielder turned defender (under Joe) has been a lifelong Arsenal fan & joined them in '06 aged 9. She made her senior debut in 2014 aged 17 & has since gone onto to amass over 130 apps for the gunners.
)Position: CB/Midfielder
Age: 22
A midfielder turned defender (under Joe) has been a lifelong Arsenal fan & joined them in '06 aged 9. She made her senior debut in 2014 aged 17 & has since gone onto to amass over 130 apps for the gunners.
As she started out as a mid her on-ball skills are amazing. She is crucial in playing out from the back & her versatility is key for club & country. She is mature beyond her years. Her passion on the pitch is great, every fan feels a part of them is being represented on the pitch
She was voted England Women's Youth POTY in 2014 & PFA Young Women's POTY in 2015. She was also voted the FA WSL Conti Cup POTY in her debut season with Arsenal.
A natural leader, she leads by example on the pitch & has a knack of scoring crucial goals. Sky is the limit for her.
A natural leader, she leads by example on the pitch & has a knack of scoring crucial goals. Sky is the limit for her.
8. Ellie Carpenter (Portland Thorns/Melbourne City, 
)
Position: RB
Age: 19
She was the 1st player to make her senior debut for Australia born in 21st century aged 15. She became the youngest player to play in NWSL in 2018. She is also the youngest goalscorer in NWSL history.
)Position: RB
Age: 19
She was the 1st player to make her senior debut for Australia born in 21st century aged 15. She became the youngest player to play in NWSL in 2018. She is also the youngest goalscorer in NWSL history.
She is a bombing RB, who is a threat for the opposition defenses. Her skills going forward are amazing. She has the pace & can put in dangerous crosses into the box. She can also tuck in to finish the chances. She puts it on a plate more often than not.
She still has some work to be done on her defensive side of the game as her attacking nature often results in her getting caught out of position & lacking concentration in the defensive phase but at 19 she has got time on her side to fix those.
At 19 she is constantly improving.
At 19 she is constantly improving.
9. Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, )
Position: AM/Winger
Age: 22
Aitana has been through the ranks at Barcelona and has amassed 100 apps appearance for the Blaugranas since making her debut in 2016 Copa de la Reina against Real Sociedad. She has found net on 27 occasions.
)Position: AM/Winger
Age: 22
Aitana has been through the ranks at Barcelona and has amassed 100 apps appearance for the Blaugranas since making her debut in 2016 Copa de la Reina against Real Sociedad. She has found net on 27 occasions.
Aitana stood out at every youth level for Barcelona & Spain.
She is a delight on the ball. Her vision, ability to operate between lines & close control to get out of tight spaces makes her a threat. She can thread line breaking passes from deep as well. She is very versatile.
She is a delight on the ball. Her vision, ability to operate between lines & close control to get out of tight spaces makes her a threat. She can thread line breaking passes from deep as well. She is very versatile.
She can play across the front line & as an interior in 3 player mid with #10 being her best role. Her finishing is great as well.
Not very physically imposing, often losing physical & aerial duels but works in perfect tandem with a physical midfielder. Sky is the limit for her.
Not very physically imposing, often losing physical & aerial duels but works in perfect tandem with a physical midfielder. Sky is the limit for her.
10. Lea Schüller (SGS Essen, 
)
Position: CF
Age: 22
She is the joint 2nd in the Frauen Bundesliga top scorer list this season with 15G which is better than her tally from 18/19(14G). She has scored 73G in her 134 apps for Essen since making her senior debut at the age of 16.
)Position: CF
Age: 22
She is the joint 2nd in the Frauen Bundesliga top scorer list this season with 15G which is better than her tally from 18/19(14G). She has scored 73G in her 134 apps for Essen since making her senior debut at the age of 16.
She is a known goalscorer. She likes to play little exchanges with other players to get in the box or make a run behind the defense & finish the chances. She also manages to create space for herself to shoot. She is good in the air & can shoot from range
She has plenty of experience up her sleeve as this is her 6th season in top flight.
For she played at her 1st major tournament in 2019 FIFA WWC, scoring against Nigeria in R16. She scored 6 times in the qualifiers with 4 goals in a game against 
. She has 11G in 20 caps.
For
she played at her 1st major tournament in 2019 FIFA WWC, scoring against Nigeria in R16. She scored 6 times in the qualifiers with 4 goals in a game against . She has 11G in 20 caps.
11. Marie-Antoinette Katoto (PSG, )
Position: CF
Age: 21
She joined PSG's youth system in 2011 & it has been goals galore since. She was the top scorer in the league in 18/19 with 22G ahead of Ada.
In last 3 league seasons she's averaging 1.03 goals/game (59 G in 57 games)
)Position: CF
Age: 21
She joined PSG's youth system in 2011 & it has been goals galore since. She was the top scorer in the league in 18/19 with 22G ahead of Ada.
In last 3 league seasons she's averaging 1.03 goals/game (59 G in 57 games)
She has the pace & the skills to beat the defenders in a 1v1 situation & pounce on every loose ball. She is a killer in the box. She is smart with her movements in the box, adjusting her body to beat markers & create space.
She has formed an deadly partnership with Diani in PSG.
She has formed an deadly partnership with Diani in PSG.
She helped PSG win the Coupe de France Féminine in 2018 against Lyon scoring the only goal in the final. She was voted the best young POTY in the league twice. She also won Trophées UNFP du football best young POTY twice
She has scored 89G in 99 apps for PSG in all competitions.
She has scored 89G in 99 apps for PSG in all competitions.
She was the part of the French team that won 2016 UEFA U19 Women's Championship where she was the top scorer with 6 goals & was voted the best player of the tournament. She hasn't been able to replicate her domestic form at international level but it's a matter of when & not if.
12. Georgia Stanway (Manchester City,)
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Age: 21
The versatile player can play almost anywhere on the field. She is leading the charge for the new dawn in Lionesses' squad. She joined City in 2015 & has played over 100 games for them scoring 37.
)Position: Forward/Midfielder
Age: 21
The versatile player can play almost anywhere on the field. She is leading the charge for the new dawn in Lionesses' squad. She joined City in 2015 & has played over 100 games for them scoring 37.
This season she has 5G & 2A averaging 0.66 G+A p90. She is capable of playing in multiple positions in attack (she even played RB). She excels playing as a SS in 2 player frontline. Her long range shooting is insanely good & her goals are a delight to see
Stats in 19/20
Succ. Tackles: 10
Interceptions: 16
KeyPasses: 12
Passes into penalty area: 12
Shots per 90: 3.59
Dribbles per 90: 2.06
Dribble success rate: 57.6%
In 18/19 she averaged 0.97 G+A per 90. She was voted the PFA Young POTY in 18/19.
One for the future & present.
Succ. Tackles: 10
Interceptions: 16
KeyPasses: 12
Passes into penalty area: 12
Shots per 90: 3.59
Dribbles per 90: 2.06
Dribble success rate: 57.6%
In 18/19 she averaged 0.97 G+A per 90. She was voted the PFA Young POTY in 18/19.
One for the future & present.
She captained U19 side in the 2016 U19 European Championship where they finished 3rd. She won the silver boot in the U20 FIFA World Cup in 2018 scoring 6 & losing out on golden boot on assists(to Patri) helping win 
. She made her senior debut in 2018 & scored in it as well
side in the 2016 U19 European Championship where they finished 3rd. She won the silver boot in the U20 FIFA World Cup in 2018 scoring 6 & losing out on golden boot on assists(to Patri) helping win . She made her senior debut in 2018 & scored in it as well
13. Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona, )
Position: Midfielder
Age: 21
After being promoted to the first team at Collerense at the age 15 after joining them a year before, Patricia made some head turn when she played against Barca 14/15. She was then snapped up by the Blaugranas.
)Position: Midfielder
Age: 21
After being promoted to the first team at Collerense at the age 15 after joining them a year before, Patricia made some head turn when she played against Barca 14/15. She was then snapped up by the Blaugranas.
The 21 year old is the fifth captain at Barcelona now. She has made 89 appearance for the club (even after the injury laden 18/19 season) helping them a Copa de la Reina in 2018.
Patricia isn't a new name in the game having previously made headlines at every national youth level
Patricia isn't a new name in the game having previously made headlines at every national youth level
She was part of the TOTT at the U17 European Championship that Spain won & again at U19 Championship in 2016 & 2017.
She won the Golden Ball & Golden Boot at the 2017 U19 European Championship. She repeated this feat again at 2018 U-20 FIFA WWC where she helped Spain finish 2nd.
She won the Golden Ball & Golden Boot at the 2017 U19 European Championship. She repeated this feat again at 2018 U-20 FIFA WWC where she helped Spain finish 2nd.
On the pitch Patricia is a general in midfield. She is commonly stationed as a DM but she is very effective when attacking as well. Her long range passing is amazing, helping her side turn defense to attack or switch sides in one swift pass. She covers a lot of ground.
A physical presence in midfield, she has got the on ball skills to match. She can shoot from range & can be a threat in attack as well. Her skillset is very complete.
She is one of the brightest names in the ever growing list of young Spanish talents.
She is one of the brightest names in the ever growing list of young Spanish talents.
14. Ingrid Syrstad Engen (Wolfsburg, 
)
Position: CM
Age: 21
Having started her career in Norway, she was signed up by Wolfsburg in Dec 2018 (after having followed her for 3 yrs) but she spent the rest of the season on loan at LSK Kvinner helping them win another league title.
)Position: CM
Age: 21
Having started her career in Norway, she was signed up by Wolfsburg in Dec 2018 (after having followed her for 3 yrs) but she spent the rest of the season on loan at LSK Kvinner helping them win another league title.
At 21 she has amassed 119 club apps in her career. She is a calming presence on the field.
Her stats this season for Wolfsburg in the league
Mins: 1048
Dribbles p90: 2.36
Succ. duels p90: 8.5
Interceptions p90: 3.73
Recoveries in opp. half p90: 6.4
KeyPasses p90: 1.09
Her stats this season for Wolfsburg in the league
Mins: 1048
Dribbles p90: 2.36
Succ. duels p90: 8.5
Interceptions p90: 3.73
Recoveries in opp. half p90: 6.4
KeyPasses p90: 1.09
Capable of playing multiple roles in midfield, she has a good passing range & uses her intricate passing to break defensive lines. Her reading of the game is brilliant helping her intercept opposition plays & recover ball in dangerous areas.
She can offer support during the buildup phase & in the attacking third. She also likes to make those late runs in the box when opportunity arrives. Close control on the ball & is good in physical duels as well.
She also has a good shot from range.
She also has a good shot from range.
15. Jill Roord (Arsenal, )
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Already been a part of two World Cup campaigns with Netherlands & having won a European Championship with the senior and the U-19 side, Jill Roord is quite the veteran for her age.
)Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Already been a part of two World Cup campaigns with Netherlands & having won a European Championship with the senior and the U-19 side, Jill Roord is quite the veteran for her age.
She began her footballing journey at FC Twente's academy in 2008 making her senior debut in 2013 at the age of just 16. She went on to make 100 apps for the club in the next 4 years helping them win multiple titles. She joined Arsenal via Bayern where she had spend 2 years.
She is a smart midfielder who can add the end product to a team. With her intricate passing she can break defensive lines & her distribution is amazing. She has brilliant awareness to move into space & offer support to her teammates in offensive & defensive phase of the game.
She is capable of dribbling her way out of opposition press. She loves to combine with her teammates to move the ball up. She also offers herself as an option in the box, decent in the air.
She loves to step up at big stage as is highlighted by her 19G in 32 UWCL appearances.
She loves to step up at big stage as is highlighted by her 19G in 32 UWCL appearances.
16. Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich, )
Position: RM/RB
Age: 20
Voted as the best young player at the FIFA WWC 2019 for her brilliant performances from RB for Germany. She ended the tournament with 1 goal & 1 assist & helping her side shut the gate 4 times in the tournament.
)Position: RM/RB
Age: 20
Voted as the best young player at the FIFA WWC 2019 for her brilliant performances from RB for Germany. She ended the tournament with 1 goal & 1 assist & helping her side shut the gate 4 times in the tournament.
She has represented at every youth level playing a major role at their U17 European Championship success in 2016.
She began her footballing career at TSG Ailingen aged 8. She made her Bundesliga debut in 2015 after joining SC Freiburg that year. She moved to Bayern this year.
at every youth level playing a major role at their U17 European Championship success in 2016.She began her footballing career at TSG Ailingen aged 8. She made her Bundesliga debut in 2015 after joining SC Freiburg that year. She moved to Bayern this year.
Gwinn can play on either flanks. Her passing range is brilliant & she has the skill to beat players in 1v1. Her crossing is good. She has got a good shot on her as well. In defending, her awareness & game reading stand out which helps her decision making while making challenges.
Her positioning is very impressive in the defensive phase, she never loses track of her mark which reduces the need to make lunging challenges. She is unfazed while going against any player & is intelligent in moving into space to offer support & initiate attacks.
17. Lena Oberdorf (SGS Essen, )
Position: Midfielder/Defender
Age: 18
Just 18 but Lena Oberdorf has seen a meteoric rise in the last few years. Most notably making her World Cup debut at just 17 coming on a HT sub against China & starting against Spain in the next game.
)Position: Midfielder/Defender
Age: 18
Just 18 but Lena Oberdorf has seen a meteoric rise in the last few years. Most notably making her World Cup debut at just 17 coming on a HT sub against China & starting against Spain in the next game.
Joining Essen in 2018 having only played with boys at the club level in fifth division Lena never looked out of place. She was a mainstay for the women's youth teams though, she was voted the best player in the 2017 U-17 European Championship.
Lena is very versatile having played all across the football pitch (except for GK at senior level but she has played there). She is brilliant in 1v1 defending & uses her body very well to move attackers away from goal. Her passing is decent & her crossing ability is good as well.
Her game reading is absolutely brilliant helping her make decisions. She is a towering presence on the field adding physicality to the team she plays for. She is very mature & is always ready to sacrifice for the team be it in midfield, defense or attack.
She is gonna be a star!
She is gonna be a star!
18. Sophia Kleinherne (FFC Frankfurt, )
Position: Defender
Age: 20
She was handed her debut for the senior side in November 2019 at Wembley against England in front of 77,786 people playing as LB, she never looked nervous. She has represented Germany at every youth level.
)Position: Defender
Age: 20
She was handed her debut for the senior side in November 2019 at Wembley against England in front of 77,786 people playing as LB, she never looked nervous. She has represented Germany at every youth level.
She has was a part of the U17 side that won European Championship in 2016 & she captained the team at the U19 European Championship in 2019 final.
She started her career at SG Telgte before moving to FSV Gütersloh via BSV Ostbevern in 2009
She started her career at SG Telgte before moving to FSV Gütersloh via BSV Ostbevern in 2009
In the 17/18 season she moved to 1. FFC Frankfurt II but she was quickly promoted to the senior side for which she has amassed over 40 apps so far.
This season for FFC Frankfurt she has featured in all 16 games. She is averaging 6.86 defensive duels p90 with a succ rate of 71.4%
This season for FFC Frankfurt she has featured in all 16 games. She is averaging 6.86 defensive duels p90 with a succ rate of 71.4%
A tidy defender. She is impressive in defensive duels & makes well timed challenges. Her in-game concentration is amazing. She reads the situation brilliantly. Good in the air & uses her body really well to defend. She's quick to cover a lot of ground.
German star in the making!
German star in the making!
