12: Lindsey Horan

Horan was named MVP in this year’s NWSL, crowning the season of her life. She rockets almost 30 places to the verge of the top 10 and that is no surprise after a campaign in which she scored 13 goals from midfield. The tally was not enough to see Portland retain their league title but Horan rightly took plaudits for her performances as they made the end-of-season play-offs. Her knack of scoring at big moments, including the semi-final against Seattle Reign, was notable and the midfielder also chipped in with four goals for the USA during their unbeaten 2018.

Mark Parsons, Portland Thorns manager:

“Lindsey had one of the best individual seasons the NWSL has ever seen and was rewarded with the league MVP award. A true box to box midfielder that dominated games defensively, building the attack, creating the chances and scoring critical goals. Statistically she led the league in touches (1,852), duels won (297, aerial dues won (14) and successful passes in the opponents half (492). She finished third in goals scored with 13 from midfield.”

⇐ 13. Fran Kirby

11. Dzsenifer Marozsan ⇒