For many Chelsea Women fans, the thought of having someone other than Emma Hayes standing on the touchline was something that they would have struggled to understand too easily.
Yet that day arrived in the summer, as Hayes ended her 12-year stay at the club to take charge of the USWNT and was replaced at Kingsmeadow by Sonia Bompastor, who, in the process, concluded her own three-year spell at Lyon Féminin.
As far as the performances have been concerned, nothing has looked drastically different, with the Blues still showing the same confidence and controlling the tempo of their matches as they did under Hayes.
However, some tweaks have been made to tactics and personnel, with Bompastor introducing new faces and implementing her own stylistic ideas as she seeks to put her stamp on the side.
One thing that she has altered is the role of winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
The Sweden international was used predominantly in a supporting manner last time out and is now arguably their most dangerous outlet.
This tactical analysis will focus on explaining how Bompastor has adapted her game and why Chelsea Women have benefitted from the increased freedom she is enjoying.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd Increased Attacking Threat
When Johanna Rytting Kaneryd arrived at Chelsea from BK Häcken Dam in the summer of 2022, those analyzing her game noted her speed and directness as things that made her an exciting player and one that Hayes would appreciate.
Bompastor, too, has made good use of those aspects of her play, but she has asked Rytting Kaneryd to use her unpredictability more whenever the ball is at her feet.
This is because Bompastor’s game plan revolves around her teams possessing wingers who can score as well as create.
Any player who can move in multiple directions and keep opponents guessing will always be looked upon favourably.
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