11. Julie Ertz
Ertz jumps up massively this year yet she’s still probably the unluckiest player to have not made the top 10. Arguably now the best defensive midfielder in the game, Ertz played a critical role for both Chicago Red Stars as they reached the NWSL final and the USA as they won another World Cup. Tenacious, combative and strong in the tackle, Ertz is the ideal midfielder for any team and does the dirty work necessary for any successful team. Still able to provide versatilty from her days as a centre-back, Ertz has made the holding midfield role her own and played every minute of the knockout stages in France as her team marched to a second World Cup in a row.
Craig Harrington, Chicago Red Stars assistant manager:
“From my point of view when you are analysing the last 12 months, then there was no player better than Julie.”
| ⇐ 12. Alex Morgan | 10. Eugenie Le Sommer ⇒ |
The Offside Rule 