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Chelsea’s best starting XI will be crucial in their pursuit of the elusive Champions League title. In their latest European meetings, the Blues overcame a 2-0 deficit to Manchester City by fighting for a superb 3-0 win in the second leg. The aggregate result puts Chelsea into the semi-finals, where they will take on reigning champions Barcelona.
Manager Sonia Bompastor, who joined the club at the start of the season to replace Emma Hayes, is still figuring out her best starting 11. The French coach has deployed a number of different starting lineups recently but should she keep exploring or should she have a fixed pool of players to rely on?
In this article, I have listed who I believe is Bompastor’s strongest lineup based on what we have seen so far this season.
Chelsea defence
Hannah Hampton has established herself as Bompastor’s first choice in goal, so let’s dive straight into Chelsea’s best defensive line.
RB: Lucy Bronze
Aside from the occasional struggle against some fast-paced wingers, the 2020 FIFA Women’s Player of the Year winner has been phenomenal since her return to England. From forming great chemistry with whoever is playing at right-wing, to scoring volleys and delivering assists, her wealth of experience has been a great addition to this Chelsea team.
CB: Millie Bright
This is another almost indubitable role. With Aniek Nouwen on loan, Naomi Girma still recovering, and Maelys Mpome learning the ropes, Chelsea’s captain remains a pivotal part of the team setup that is almost indispensable right now.
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CB: Nathalie Björn
Of the rest in the park, Nathalie Björn stands slightly ahead of Mpome, and Girma still needs some time to adapt to the pace and intensity that Europe brings, especially when compared to the WSL.
LB: Niamh Charles
Dribbles. Crosses. Goals. Assists. Niamh Charles has got them all.
It was hard selecting the versatile defender as her almost direct competitor, Sandy Baltimore, has been flawless this season. However, as a fan said, when Charles is fit, she is Chelsea’s best left-back, and her recent displays are just a glimpse of what she delivers at full fitness.
Chelsea midfield
CM: Erin Cuthbert
The rules are simple: When Erin Cuthbert is fit, she starts. From making audacious interceptions to orchestrating build-up play and scoring screamers against stubborn low-block defenses, the Scottish international is the engine that keeps Chelsea running.
Her tenacity, vision, and ability to impact every phase of the game make her an undeniable part of Chelsea’s best starting XI.
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CM: Sjoeke Nüsken
This was another difficult pick. Keira Walsh brings a perfect balance, and Wieke Kaptein’s energy is covetable, but there is something unique about Sjoeke Nüsken popping up everywhere whenever she is on the pitch that makes Chelsea unpredictable as a whole.
I mean, there is no position the German can’t play, right?
Chelsea attack
For the attack, I didn’t just pick the players based on individual quality. I also looked at players that perfectly blend attacking output with being in sync with the midfield.
LW: Guro Reiten
The only direct competitor here is Baltimore, but I sadly have to ditch her for the second time because there is something ferocious about a fully fit Reiten, especially in the face of daunting challenges.
Whether it’s whipping in crosses, making pin-point assists like she did against Manchester United, or taking long-range volleys, as she did against Bristol City, the Norwegian winger is a raiser every time she’s on the pitch.
SS: Catarina Macário
This was another difficult position to select. A lot of Chelsea fans prefer Lauren James in this position, and personally, I was almost picking our Japanese wunderkind, Maika Hamano, but a fit Catarina Macário is a sharp sword waiting to be unsheathed.
Playmaking. Set-pieces. Crosses. Shots. Macário’s got them all, and her box presence and awareness are well ahead of every other attacker Bompastor has right now (except Sam Kerr).
A couple of fans want to see her play in the No.9 role more often, but I think her best position is right behind the striker.
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RW: Lauren James
Chelsea’s best starting XI wouldn’t be complete without the English whizz. Loved by many and adored by millions, the winger’s versatility across the front line makes her indispensable. Whether initiating build-up play or scoring unpredictable goals, the 2023 PFA Young Player of the Year is one of Bompastor’s most valuable assets, delivering high and immeasurable returns whenever called upon.
ST: Mayra Ramírez
With Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel still yet to touch grass, there is really no option than the Colombia powerhouse. Now you might wonder, why not Aggie Beever-Jones? Well, because Ramírez’s physicality is always going to be an advantage, and her hold-up play is slightly better than that of the England youngster’s.
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Bompastor has plenty of influential players to choose from, so if you were in her position, which formation and lineup would you choose?
We’d like to give a big shoutout to Chelsea Women Chatroom for their insightful contributions.
