WSL’s Unsung Hero
Sometimes, the biggest threats on offense come from where you least expect them – your own defensive line. This season, one Arsenal player has emerged as a major scoring threat in the Women’s Super League (WSL), and surprisingly, it’s not Mariona Caldentey or Alessia Russo. It’s Katie McCabe, who’s proving to be seriously important for the Gunners. The Unlikely Hero of the WSL.
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McCabe’s Attacking Skills
McCabe’s always been a hard worker on the left, but she’s really taken her game to a higher level with Renee Slegers. Her attacking skills are really shining now. Even though she plays left-back, she’s at the top of the league in creating chances to score – those key passes everyone talks about.
McCabe’s created a crazy 40 chances to score, way more than her teammate Mariona Caldentey (29) and Australia’s Mary Fowler (28). When it comes to big chances created, meaning passes that lead right to clear scoring opportunities, McCabe (14) has almost twice as many as Caldentey (8) and Fowler (6). The Unlikely Hero of the WSL.
A System That Lets Players Shine
Under the previous coach, Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal was stuck with a stiff playing style that didn’t turn ball possession into real scoring chances. Now, Slegers has given players like McCabe and Caldentey room to challenge defenders, making their attack way more exciting and successful.
McCabe does more than just make key passes, though. She’s number one in the WSL for total crosses, second in passes into the box, and third in passes that move the ball forward, how often she shoots on target, and through-balls. Even when others aren’t playing their best, McCabe is still performing great. The Unlikely Hero of the WSL.
Bouncing Back
McCabe had a rough game against Liverpool in the FA Cup – Olivia Smith really got the better of her. But she didn’t stay down for long. Against Everton, she was awesome, pushing Arsenal’s attack against their tight defense. She had 17 passes moving the ball forward and 12 into the final third, which beat the entire Everton team in both areas.
Even though Arsenal was focusing on the right a lot, McCabe still pulled off 21% of their total forward-moving plays, which shows how important she is, even against a team that’s only trying to defend.
A Player With Heart
McCabe plays with serious passion. She’s just as tough on defense as she is on attack, making key plays and motivating her teammates. She’s a strong player and a leader who looks out for those around her. After Arsenal lost to Liverpool, she was seen cheering up Daphne van Domselaar, who was devastated by an own goal.
Even though she plays with intensity, talk about her being too aggressive seems exaggerated. She’s only gotten two red cards in her WSL career – one back in January against Chelsea and another in the 2021/22 season. She knows she needs to watch her behavior, though, saying, “I play hard, I play strong, I show my passion, but I don’t want to get suspended with silly bookings.”
Respected by Everyone
McCabe’s style of play has won her fans, even among opposing coaches. Sweden Women’s coach, Peter Gerhardsson, once said she’s one of his favorite players, and praised her passion, strength, and skills. She’s a winner. She plays angry, but I like that, he said.
Big Week Ahead for Arsenal
Arsenal will need everything McCabe’s got as they go to Spain to play Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. Then, they’ll get a chance to take revenge on Liverpool, who knocked them out of the FA Cup, in a big home game at the Emirates.
With McCabe playing so well, Arsenal will be looking to win those games.
