5 International Players Who Could Theoretically Make the USWNT
The USNWT is the most successful team in international women’s soccer. Their 2019 World Cup success solidified the team as a powerhouse, and names such as Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan have become as familiar to aspiring soccer stars as Mia Hamm. But while the USWNT is the best team in the world, that doesn’t mean each player is the best in the world at their position. Below are five of the best non-USWNT players from around the world who could walk into the American starting lineup.
Pernille Harder
Pernille Harder plays for Chelsea FC Women as well as the Danish national team. In 2018 and again in 2020, Harder won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award, which recognizes the best player of the season in a women’s soccer club in Europe. In 2020, her transfer from Wolfsburg to Chelsea raised eyebrows; it officially made her the most expensive female footballer in the world. Her on-field ability backs that up. Chelsea’s been a true attacking threat with her leading the charge (along with the dynamic Kerr-Kirby duo).
Vivianne Miedema
Vivianne Miedema plays for Arsenal as well as the Netherlands national team. Miedema is revered for her success as a striker, often being named one of the best strikers in women’s soccer. She has scored more goals for the Netherlands at the international level than any other male or female player. Miedema has been named for several awards and honors over the years and is considered one of the best female soccer players in the world. We’ve talked a lot about how stacked the USWNT’s forward line is, but Miedema would no doubt find a spot.
Lucy Bronze
Lucy Bronze plays right-back for Manchester City and the England national team. She has won three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and three FA Women’s Super League titles. She has been named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year on two occasions, Best FIFA Women’s Player in 2020, and was the first English player to receive the title of player of the year by the Professional Footballer’s Association on two occasions. The USWNT has had a rotating cast feature at right-back in recent years, and Bronze would certainly strengthen the Americans’ backline.
Wendie Renard
USWNT fans should be familiar with Wendie Renard’s name – she’s been a thorn in the USWNT’s side whenever they play France for years. The Olympique Lyonnais and France center-back is one of the best in her position in the world. Not only is she a skilled defender, but she’s also frequently on the scoring sheet for club and country. Who doesn’t love a defender that scores?
Dzsenifer Marozsán
Dzsenifer Marozsán is a strong midfielder and demonstrated her strength more than ever when she led Germany to its first Olympic gold medal in soccer during the 2016 Olympics. In 2013 she scored the winning goal during UEFA Women’s Euro semifinal against Sweden. When she first moved from Budapest to Germany as a child, she played for a boys’ team. The German Football Association advocated for her naturalization so that she could play for Germany. The skill and grit she displays would make her a wonderful addition to the USWNT.
Featured Image via Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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