Keira Walsh, the most expensive women’s player ever and a champion of Europe at both the club and international levels, will be crucial for the Lionesses once more.
Lucy Bronze was upset when the Ballon d’Or nominations were revealed less than two weeks after England’s victory at Euro 2022.
Along with fellow Lionesses Millie Bright and Beth Mead, the full-back was on the list, but she was compelled to draw attention to a particularly glaring absence.
“Thanks but I don’t deserve this,” Bronze wrote on Instagram.
“The best Lionesses player during the Euros was Keira Walsh. Should be the first English name in the list!”
She was neglected, which was typical of Walsh’s function because her skills as a deep-lying playmaker were frequently ignored.
However, it appears that a player who unquestionably merits credit has started to receive it more in the past year.
Most Expensive Player
The 26-year-old became the most expensive player in women’s football history a few months after the Euros when Barcelona, the 2021 European champions, decided to pay a record-breaking sum for her abilities.
Walsh has since lifted that Women’s Champions League trophy for the first time, as well as a couple of domestic honours, and is mixing it with some of the best midfielders in the world – all while still winning big praise for her own qualities.
Indeed, Caroline Graham Hansen, one of her team-mates in Catalunya, said recently that Barca are “very lucky to have her”.
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Following a fantastic debut season overseas, Walsh is now looking to lead England to even greater success.
If the Lionesses do go on to follow up that European crown with a first-ever Women’s World Cup triumph, there is no doubt that their gifted midfield conductor will be crucial.
