Lionesses Lauren James, Lauren Hemp & Niamh Charles among six nominees for PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year award as Chelsea & Man City dominate shortlist

Despite being a defender, and one still adapting to that role after coming through as a forward, Niamh Charles' assist tally was only bettered by Man City star Hemp last season. That does well to illustrate what a force she was down the left-hand side as Chelsea won a fifth successive WSL title, though her defensive work must be recognised too. She won back possession more often than any other player in the Blues' squad and was a stand-out performer through Emma Hayes' final campaign in charge.

So often the unsung hero in the Chelsea team, it is nice to see Erin Cuthbert get this nomination, even if she doesn't win the eventual award, as so often she can be overlooked when it comes to individual recognition. With club captain Millie Bright absent for large spells, the Scotland international was regularly trusted with the armband in 2023-24 and she did not disappoint, leading both with her character and her performances in the middle of the park.

Another player who can be described as an unsung hero, Yui Hasegawa is the genius at the base of the Man City midfield that makes the team tick with her eye for a pass and composure under pressure. Her work off the ball, though, is also excellent. Hasegawa won back possession more often than any other player in the WSL in 2023-24 and was crucial to the Cityzens' title charge.

In terms of direct goal involvements, the 2023-24 season was Lauren Hemp's best-ever in the WSL, with her 11 goals and eight assists helping to make Man City the second most potent attacking force in the division. The 23-year-old has been named PFA Women's Young Player of the Year four times but that she is in contention for the full award this year is representative of her progression into one of the best players in the league.

Winner of last season's PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award, Lauren James is another looking to make the step up and win this accolade after a superb third season at Chelsea. The first of those was about getting on top of injuries, the second was about finding her feet in one of Europe's best teams and the latest saw her become one of the Blues' top performers, with only Khadija Shaw scoring more goals in the WSL in 2023-24.

Winner of the 2023-24 WSL Golden Boot, Khadija Shaw scored an incredible 21 goals in just 18 appearances last season, making her an obvious Player of the Year contender. However, Shaw is not just about the goals. The 27-year-old works hard off the ball, she is excellent at creating space and chances for others and her contributions in defence, particularly at set pieces, makes her an all-round asset for Man City.