One player who’s certainly using a new approach in her game is Keira Walsh. This move has led to career-defining performances for both Chelsea and the England national team. Through practice, she’s learned the power of brevity. This vital skill has not only advanced her personal performance but contributed significantly to her team’s success.
At the same time, the shift in Walsh’s approach has been central. She’s long been considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. This year, her adjustment in playstyle has brought into focus her evolution as a player. In this WSL season he has led to Walsh taking 14 shots already in just eight matches. This is a significant jump from last season where she only recorded one attempt in seven games played. Our most recent program expansion exemplifies this point, illustrating how minor tweaks can create opportunities for development, even at the highest levels of athletic talent.
Walsh’s newfound confidence in shooting has been nurtured by Chelsea’s coaching staff, particularly Sonia Bompastor and Cami Abily. Encouraging her to take shots on goal, and plenty of them, is a philosophy they’ve ingrained in their players, and it has certainly worked.
“It’s maybe not position and playing further forward, but Sonia and Cami are always telling me to shoot,” – Keira Walsh
This season, Walsh has been making more aggressive plays, but she’s displayed range longest from deep that should excite NBA evaluators. All four of her WSL goals since the 2020/21 season have come from outside the box. For both of these goals in came during her runs at both Manchester City and Chelsea. She’s perfectly willing to take shots from downtown. This decision reflects her profound understanding of her new role and the tactical needs of her office.
In talking about her transition to shooting more, Walsh spoke to her old habit of looking for passes in congested spaces.
“Previously, I would have tried to make a pass in the box, and with a lot of bodies around, it’s not ideal,” – Keira Walsh
Her strategic pivot to emphasize shooting first and foremost has unlocked so much potential in her game. These days, Walsh is more confident that she’s in the right place at the right time. Her ability to anticipate and read plays keeps her from missing scoring opportunities.
Despite her reluctance about stepping into a leadership role when Sarina Wiegman named her vice-captain for the England team, Walsh has grown into the position. She remembered how nervous she was at first, but reiterated the importance of Wiegman’s words that invited her to just be herself.
“With England, I was a little bit nervous when Sarina asked me to be vice-captain a few years ago. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it, but she said she doesn’t want me to change,” – Keira Walsh
Having friends alongside her and learning from established leaders like Millie Bright and Leah Williamson have only reinforced her confidence on the pitch. Walsh regularly consults Williamson, who has been a key player in helping shepherd Walsh through this leadership transition.
“Working with Millie and Leah too, who are two incredible captains… Leah was the one who told me to do it in my own way,” – Keira Walsh
Between Walsh’s tactical instruction and private encouragement from her teammates, she’s found a way to flourish. Her success is not solely attributed to her technical skills but her ability to adapt to new strategies and roles within the team framework.
As she goes out there and grows, Walsh’s mission is to just play better, but help make the game better by helping their team chemistry. Her appreciation of the game tactically has grown with the coaching tendencies at Chelsea.
“Tactically, he’s a very good coach. It probably took me a bit of time to adapt to his style,” – Keira Walsh
His tremendous development as a player hasn’t gone unrecognized. The difference her changing mentality can make is plain to see on the field, where she remains as deadly in pressure-cooker situations as ever. Her performances have even been an instrumental part of Chelsea’s title ambitions this season. Further, they have consolidated her place in the England squad.
What’s abundantly evident is that Keira Walsh is reshaping her game, and being propelled in large part by a tumultuous relationship between self-awareness and outside motivation turned liberalism. With each round, she proves that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can result in unexpected greatness.
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