'Evolving' NWSL helped poach Chelsea star Jessie Fleming - with Portland midfielder excited to play in 'possession-style system' with Thorns

Speaking to TSN.Ca, the attacking midfielder shared that she has ambitious plans for 2024 with club and country. The Canadian wants to see her nation push for a podium finish at the 2024 Paris games and a Women's Gold Cup title, while also pursuing silverware with the Thorns. The 25-year-old recently completed a blockbuster transfer to the NWSL side from European powerhouse Chelsea in England.

Speaking on how the Thorns progressive system helped draw her over from Chelsea, she said: “I think in some cases, it's a bit more transitional, definitely still very physical and very fast,” she said. “I think within the NWSL, Portland's definitely one of the teams that tries to play more of a possession style, and I'm really excited to play with the other midfielders there. I think that kind of suits me.”

The 25-year-old mentioned that as the league has continued to grow, she has also noticed that they are drawing more and more talent from Europe - on the pitch and on the touchline.

“I do think the style of play in the league is evolving,” Fleming said. “You see a couple of Spanish coaches [Gotham’s Juan Carlos Amoros, Houston’s Fran Alonso, Washington’s Jonatan Giraldez] coming into the league and players moving from overseas.”

Fleming was a three-time WSL and FA Cup champion with the Blues, while also adding a League Cup and Community Shield to her cabinet. She was also a part of the squad that reached the 2021 UEFA Champions League final with Chelsea. Now, she's taking her talents stateside with the Thorns where she will link-up with USWNT superstars Sophia Smith, Olivia Moultrie and Sam Coffey.

Currently on Women's Gold Cup duty with Canada, Fleming and her squad will take on Costa Rica on Wednesday evening. They currently sit atop their group with six points from two previous victories over Paraguay and El Salvador. As for the Thorns, their 2024 NWSL season begins against the Kansas City Current on March 16.