With the 2020/2021 WSL season over, all clubs will be looking to rebuild, finding the players to take them to the next level. For Manchester City Women, they need to find a way of toppling Chelsea Women from their perch, whilst also keeping Arsenal Women and Manchester United Women at bay. Reports have suggested that they are close to their first summer signing, with Bordeaux and Jamaica striker Khadija Shaw seemingly on her way to the Academy Stadium.
The WSL runners-up have beaten reported interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton Women, US and French clubs for her signature, and this tactical analysis will look at how the Reggae Girl could fit into their tactics. The scout report will also examine her statistics, compared to Ellen White’s, seeing how she would differ as a striker option from the England international, and what that would mean for the team’s playing style next season.
Before looking at her game in more detail, we will begin this analysis by studying Shaw’s heatmap.
It is not surprising that the area she frequents the most is the goal area, but it is interesting that there are other areas with colour. This is because she doesn’t always play solely as a centre-forward, and this helps her team to create plenty of options around the pitch. As we examine her versatility and awareness, we need to keep this in mind.
Versatility
As mentioned, Khadija Shaw is versatile, able to play on either wing or through the middle.
