Harder, Little, McCabe: The nominees for GMS Fans’ WSL October Player of the Month

Harry Kane

There was only a limited amount of action in the WSL this month but there were still a number of notable individual performances. 

Arsenal remain at the top of the table and maintain their 100 percent start to this season’s campaign, while Chelsea have recovered from their opening weekend defeat to move up to second. 

With some fine solo goals, exquisite assists and heroic shot-stopping, here’s a look at the WSL’s standout performers in October: 

Hannah Blundell 

Having struggled for game time at Chelsea in recent years, Blundell signed for United this season and has already become an integral part of the Red Devils’ defence. 

The 27-year-old helped United keep a clean sheet against Birmingham, and was instrumental in Marc Skinner’s side’s 2-2 draw against rivals Manchester City. 

In just two matches, the English full-back registered three assists and looks to be playing her way back into contention for the Lionesses squad. 

Louise Quinn 

Birmingham have struggled so far this season and are yet to register their first win of the campaign. 

However, things could well have been worse had it not been for Quinn, who scored a vital equaliser for the Blues against West Ham. 

The centre-back signed for Birmingham this season and has bags of WSL experience — having played for Arsenal for three seasons between 2017 and 2020. 

With 89 caps for the Republic of Ireland, Quinn is one of the best in the business and will be crucial to Birmingham’s chances of survival this year. 

Kim Little 

The Gunners have been in fine form this season and Little has been leading from the front. 

As Arsenal kick-started the month with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa, the Scot scored twice and was instrumental in the centre of midfield. 

New signing Tobin Heath described Little as one of the best she’d ever played with, and at 31-years-old, the midfielder is arguably getting better and better. 

Katie McCabe

In truth, most of Arsenal’s squad deserve to be nominated for this award but along with Little, McCabe has been particularly impressive. 

The versatile full-back has been rock solid defensively but offers so much going forward as well. 

McCabe scored in both Arsenal’s fixtures against Villa and Everton, while she also picked up an assist. 

Ian Wright described McCabe as his favourite Arsenal player and it’s easy to see why with performances of this nature. 

Yui Hasegawa

West Ham claimed a remarkable win over the struggling Man City at the start of October and Hasegawa’s stoppage-time wonder goal will live long in the memory. 

The Japanese star was one of a number of solid additions for the Hammers this season and the midfielder has seemingly found her feet in the WSL already. 

Still just 24-years-old, Hasegawa still has bags of potential and is on her way to becoming a fan favourite. 

Pernille Harder

Harder has sometimes been overshadowed by the likes of Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr in recent times but the Chelsea forward has proven herself a match-winner this season. 

As Emma Hayes’ side struggled to find the breakthrough against a resilient Leicester side, the Danish international popped up with a crucial goal in the 83rd minute, before Kirby sealed the three points in injury time. 

The 28-year-old arrived at Chelsea last year for a record fee and has fully justified her price tag. 

 

Previous Story Next Story