Mayra Ramírez makes unpicking defences look effortless. It's impossible not to watch in awe as she unmasks even the most experienced WSL defenders with a turn, a shrug, a touch or a flick.
Her goal in the fourth minute of Chelsea's game at Arsenal in October placed the final nail in the coffin of Jonas Eidevall's tenure, and it would be hammered down by the hosts' 2-1 defeat. With her back to goal, Ramírez capitalised on poor defending and hooked the ball over her head, beyond Daphne van Domselaar and in.
She is a player made for the big moment and now she is settled in London, having joined Chelsea from Levante in January for a British record €450,000 (£375,000) plus add-ons, and ready for more.
Tomorrow, Sonia Bompastor's unbeaten side host their title rivals Manchester City at Stamford Bridge and Ramírez will face arguably the WSL's most in-form centre-back, Alex Greenwood. "I love it," says the unassuming Colombian. "They're the challenges that any player wants to have - facing the best players in the best teams. Earlier today, I played against Millie [Bright] in training. I get to practise against the best in training sessions almost every day - that makes you grow as a footballer. Man City will be a great challenge."
This story is from the November 15, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the November 15, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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