USWNT legend Ali Krieger knew 2023 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year Naomi Girma was 'going to be a star' from the first day she met her

Speaking on the latest episode of Morning Footy on CBS Sports, Krieger said she believes that Girma is a future captain of the USWNT and already a leader at her young age of 23. Thursday, the San Diego Wave defender was named the first-ever U.S. Soccer Women's Player of the Year that played as a defender.

"She's going to captain the team one day and you know, continue to lead the backline. She's so consistent and so confident, and she's so young too. She has just so much experience already and I can't imagine how she's going to be in, you know, the next 10-15 years. Hopefully, we get to continue to watch her play, but she's been so successful already and I was honored to play with her in my last couple camps with the national team and right from the first day, I was like, she's going to be a star. 'This girl is going to really, really do it and really make it and, and do us proud and you're gonna represent us with all the quality in the world.' So it's so exciting to watch her already and kind of the leadership that she brings to at such a young age is what we need with this young team... It's just exciting to see!"

Girma was one of the most consistent player on the international level for the USA in 2023. She was rock-solid defensively in the World Cup and helped guide the San Diego Wave to an outstanding NWSL season. The club finished first in the regular season table and made it all the way to the conference semifinals in the playoffs. It's a well-deserved accolade and high praise from a veteran who has played - and won - at every level.

The San Diego Wave mainstay will report for preseason camp in February, with the NWSL season starting this March. Until then, she'll continue enjoying her offseason while training and preparing for the season ahead.