80. Jessie Fleming
Such is Jessie Fleming’s fledgling talent, the 19-year-old is already discussing the prospect of a move to Europe when she finishes her spell with UCLA Bruins in the USA, and she’ll have no shortage of admirers.
Incredibly, Fleming made her international debut for Canada at just 15 and is already approaching her 50th cap, despite still being a teenager.
Unsurprisingly, Fleming’s form for the Bruins throughout 2017 has left her as a finalist for the coveted MAC Hermann trophy, an award won previously by the likes of Crystal Dunn, Christen Press, Christine Sinclair and Mia Hamm.
Fleming’s NCAA season ended with defeat in the final to Stanford, but there are few youngsters in world football now more exciting than Fleming.
John Herdman, Canada national team head coach says:
“Jessie has sort of broke the mold and moving away from that traditional Canadian player. The challenge we’ve extended her is to put a new marker down for the standard of midfield player and she’s really doing that. She’s learned how to manage a strong midfield like the US, she’s just flourishing. Her vision and awareness is as good as I’ve seen, her touch is so delicate and her agility is brilliant, midfielders don’t get near her.
“The closest thing I’ve seen to her in the game is probably Kim Little, we needed one of those players in our midfield and Jessie’s become that for us. The advice I’ve given to Jessie about her future is to be really diligent about the preparation that goes into picking the right environment. Be really, really clear about which players in the world you want to play with, which players will take you forward and which will take your game to the next level.”
Amanda Cromwell, UCLA Bruins women’s soccer head coach says:
“Jessie’s work-rate and ability to dictate play is unmatched. She truly is the definition of a box to box midfielder. Her movement off the ball puts her in a different class tactically and she has the ability to score the game-winner when the match is on the line.”
| ⇐ 81. Tabea Kemme | 79. Verena Aschauer ⇒ |
The Offside Rule 