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Whether getting the ball back or starting an attacking move, midfielders have to do it all in the middle of the park.
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Here are the nominees for Best Women’s Midfielders of the Year!
Cinthya Peraza captained Santos Laguna to its first-ever appearance in the Liguilla in the 2021 Apertura and also made her Mexico debut, playing 19 minutes in an October friendly against Argentina.
Gloriana Villalobos scored one goal and appeared in seven friendly matches for the Costa Rica national team in 2021, also helping Herediano to the final of the 2021 Apertura, finishing runner-up on penalties.
Jess Fishlock won the 2021 NWSL MVP award, scoring five goals and dishing our four assists in 24 matches for OL Reign. The Wales international also was above average with her dribbles completed, progressive passes and clearances.
Jessie Fleming played each of Canada’s matches on the road to the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, captaining the team and scoring in the semifinal and final. She also had plenty to celebrate with Chelsea, winning the FA Women’s Super League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and finishing runner-up in the UEFA Champions League.
Julia Grosso refused to let the pressure get to her, converting the final penalty in the gold medal match to help Canada win the Olympic prize. After returning to the University of Texas, she signed with Juventus in December 2021.
Liliana Mercado was named the inaugural Balon de Ooo winner for best player in the 2020-21 season in Mexican soccer. She spurred Tigres to the 2021 Clausura title and converted her penalty in the final shootout as Tigres finished runner-up in the 2021 Apertura.
Lindsey Horan earned plaudits with the Portland Thorns in 2021, with two goals and three assists in 14 matches before a winter loan to Lyon. Horan also led the U.S. in minutes played in 2021. She started five matches and played in six at the Olympics, as the North Americans won the bronze medal. Horan also won the SheBelieves Cup with the U.S. in early 2021.
Marta Cox helped Alajuelense to the 2021 Apertura crown in Costa Rica, beating Herediano on penalties after an important assist in the second leg. She finished the season with nine goals and earned a move to Leon. She also scored for Panama in each of a pair of friendly matches against Costa Rica in the fall.
Raquel Rodriguez lifted a trio of trophies with the Portland Thorns, winning the NWSL Challenge Cup, NWSL Shield and International Women’s Champions Cup at the club level. The Costa Rica International also was a regular presence for the Ticas, playing 555 minutes across eight friendly matches.
Rose Lavelle was a constant for the U.S. national team in 2021, playing all six games in Japan as the U.S. earned the bronze medal. She also played in all three SheBelieves Cup games, with the North Americans in winning that tournament. With five goals and five assists, she had her best numbers of any year internationally in 2021. Lavelle also played a dozen matches for OL reign, scoring once.
