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The Rise of Wharton: How the Eagles Midfielder Attracted the Attention of Top Clubs.

Adam Wharton's meteoric climb from Blackburn Rovers academy graduate to Crystal Palace's midfield dynamo has become one of English football's most gripping stories. Wharton, 21, has already won the FA Cup and played a key role in an Eagles team that is rewriting the club's history. His mix of technical proficiency, vision, and mental maturity has drew the notice of Europe's elite, establishing him as one of the continent's most sought-after young talents. This blog delves into Wharton's rise to prominence, the characteristics that have contributed to his success, his tactical role, and why he has become a target for the world's biggest clubs. ​ Foundations: Blackburn Roots and Early Breakthrough Adam James Wharton’s footballing journey started at Blackburn Rovers, where he joined the academy at just six years old. Growing up supporting the club, Wharton rapidly ascended their youth ranks, making his professional debut in an EFL Cup match at 18. His c...

Rank the top 10 WSL players this season.

The first international break of the 2024/25 WSL season has concluded, with activity ready to resume this weekend.


Manchester City now leads the rankings after winning four of their first five games, but both Chelsea and Manchester United have a game in hand. Aston Villa, West Ham, and Everton sit at the bottom of the table with two points each, but the Hammers' goal difference leaves them worse off.

Several exceptional performers have emerged in the early parts of the campaign, including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United players.

Prior to this weekend's matches, 90min has ranked the top 10 players of the season thus far.

10) Hannah Hampton.


Chelsea have made a solid start to the season, but Hannah Hampton has also established herself as the club's number one goalkeeper. The Blues have surrendered three goals in their first four games and are second in the standings, having played one fewer game than leaders Manchester City. Hampton has already made significant contributions this season, most notably against Aston Villa on the opening day. Chelsea narrowly won 1-0 that night, although they could have lost points late if not for several crucial stops.

9. Olivia Smith


Liverpool are yet to hit their stride this season, having won one and drawn three of their first five games. Olivia Smith, the Reds' summer addition, has emerged as a strong player. The Merseyside club shattered their transfer record to buy the 20-year-old Canadian sensation from Sporting CP, and she is already proving to be a game changer. She has already scored two amazing goals this season, one of which came against Manchester City at Anfield.

8.Kiko Seike.


Kiko Seike, a Japanese international, is one of the WSL's most interesting new players this season. On her debut, the 28-year-old became the first player in WSL history to score a hat-trick. Seike is yet to add to her total, but she has been a major component in Brighton's early season success. Under new manager Dario Vidosic, they have won three of their first five games and lost only one.

7. Maya le Tissier


Manchester United's defensive record in the early stages of the new season is impressive. Marc Skinner's side has not lost in four games and has conceded only one goal. Newly appointed captain Maya Le Tissier is just one of the names responsible for United's improved defensive record, which they will try to sustain as they seek to reclaim the top three. Le Tissier has also scored this season, converting a penalty in a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. Her performances for her club earned her appearances in both of England's games during the international break.

6. Sandy Baltimore


Sandy Baltimore, a 24-year-old French international, was just one of Chelsea's new signings this summer. Despite being a forward, she has frequently played left back under Sonia Bompastor this season. Despite playing out of position, Baltimore has scored two league goals in four games this season. That includes the victory against rivals Arsenal at the Emirates in early October.

5) Celin Bizet


Celin Bizet of United has more assists than any other player in the WSL this season. The former Spurs player joined the Red Devils late in the transfer window and has slotted in flawlessly. United have lost one game this season. Bizet has contributed considerably to the triumphs thus far, notably from right back at times, but she has yet to score herself.

4) Khadija Shaw


It's no surprise that Khadija Shaw of Manchester City is already one of the WSL's top scorers this season. Her most noteworthy contribution was two goals against Liverpool at Anfield, which enabled City to come from behind and clinch a critical victory. The 27-year-old Jamaica international is unstoppable, and she will look to win the golden boot for the second year in a row. Her goal-scoring form will be critical to City's possible title challenge this season.

3. Lauren Hemp


Lauren Hemp, another of City's stars, has enjoyed an equally impressive start to the campaign. The 24-year-old has two goals and two assists in the WSL so far. One of those assists came on Shaw's equalizer versus Liverpool at Anfield. She also scored the equalizer and set up the winner in their narrow 2-1 win over Aston Villa before the international break.

2. Grace Clinton.


Few athletes have had as big an impact as Grace Clinton this season. United's great start to the season may be attributed in large part to the 21-year-old's exceptional goal-scoring ability. Clinton has scored in three of the Red Devils' first four WSL games, two of which were victories. Given how she has begun the season, it is no surprise that Skinner and the club were eager to keep her after a successful loan spell at Tottenham last season.

1. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.


Johanna Rytting Kaneryd of Chelsea is on course to be named player of the season after scoring three goals and assisting on two others in four WSL games. If the Sweden international can keep up her current form, she might be instrumental in helping Bompastor's team win another league title. Prior to the international break, she also scored an early season contender against London rivals Tottenham. The 27-year-old is unstoppable at the moment.

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