Bunny among top 20 best players at Women’s World Cup

Reggae Girlz striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was named the 19th best player at the World Cup by an ESPN panel covering the event in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

The panel named a list of 25 players they think will be most impactful at the event, with Australian striker Sam Kerr topping the list ahead of Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati and USA forward Sophia Smith.

However, according to ESPN journalist, Sophie Lawson, it’s easy to forget the experience and impact of Shaw, who played every minute of Jamaica’s maiden World Cup campaign in France in 2019.

She pointed out that what made the 26-year-old’s tournament in France even more remarkable was the fact that she picked up an injury just before it started, that seemed to severely hamper her performance.

However, this time around, with no injury concerns, Lawson expects the Manchester City star to be at her absolute best.

She noted also that any chance the Reggae Girlz have of making it out of the group will depend mainly on Shaw having a great tournament.

“She’s developed her game across professional stints with Bordeaux and Manchester City, and the goal-getter has rounded out her game, taking responsibility not just for scoring, but also for luring defenders away to create space for her teammates to attack,” Lawson commented.

“With Jamaica not favoured in their group, the Reggae Girlz will be relying on Shaw to occupy defenders as much as getting on the ball in the box. She’s a player to watch as much for her goals as her work off the ball, and if Jamaica are to get out of their group, they’ll need Shaw,” she added

One place above Shaw in 18th spot is Brazilian great Marta, considered by many to be the greatest ever in the women’s game.

The 37-year-old is in her sixth World Cup and has one final chance to seal her legacy, having never won a major trophy with Brazil.

However, her 17 goals is the most goals in World Cups, men’s or women’s, and although not as explosive as she used to be, her vision on the field and skills on the ball remain world class.

Shaw and Marta are due to meet in the teams’ final Group F match on August 2.

Jamaica will open against France on July 23 and then play Panama in their second game on the 29th.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Top 20 best players at the World Cup

1. Sam Kerr – Australia

2. Aitana Bonmati – Spain

3. Sophia Smith – USA

4. Alexia Putellas – Spain

5. Caroline Graham Hansen – Norway

6. Ada Hegerberg – Norway

7. Lena Oberdorf – Germany

8. Keira Walsh – England

9. Alexandra Popp – Germany

10. Alex Morgan – USA

11. Debinha – Brazil

12. Pernille Harder – Denmark

13. Fridolina Rolfo – Sweden

14. Yui Hasegawa – Japan

15. Kadidiatou Diani – France

16. Danielle van de Donk – Netherlands

17. Ashley Lawrence – Canada

18. Marta – Brazil

19. Khadija Shaw – Jamaica

20. Lauren James – England