53: Abby Dahlkemper
It’s hard to follow a World Cup winning year, so it’s testament to Abby Dahlkemper’s quality and consistency than in a year which didn’t even provide a full domestic season, she only drops four places from a year where she played a pivotal role in her nation’s success on the world stage. Whether it be alongside Abby Erceg for North Carolina Courage or Becky Sauerbrunn for the USA, Dahlkemper has become one of the most consistent and solid centre-backs anywhere in the world. Like most centre-backs these days, she’s also comfortable on the ball and completed more passes than any defender for her national team this year. Dahlkemper is now entering the peak years of her career and looks like staying at the top for many more yet.
The Offside Rule 