It is uncommon to see a defender entice extra curiosity than their attacking counterparts, however Girma is not any extraordinary defender. She captained Stanford to the School Cup in 2019, entered the NWSL because the league’s high draft decide in 2022, received the U. S. Soccer Participant of the Yr award in 2023 and led the USWNT to a gold medal on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“She’s the perfect defender I’ve ever seen,” USWNT coach Emma Hayes said of Girma. “Ever.”
Girma excels at nearly the whole lot, however her greatest energy is her imaginative and prescient. She will be able to see performs earlier than they occur and is aware of tips on how to place herself to execute them gracefully. For her teammates, meaning Girma is a transformational passer and ball mover; for her opponents, meaning Girma is aware of precisely the place they’ll transfer, typically earlier than they comprehend it themselves.
“She [Girma] is simply that good,” said Megan Rapinoe. “Calm, extraordinarily sensible. I don’t suppose her physicality will get talked about sufficient, deceptively fast. In case you have any type of quickness and mind, then that’s a wrap.
“She will be able to play any type of ball.”
Girma’s USWNT teammate Trinity Rodman agreed. “She’s a brick wall. She’s not only a good defender, she’s not simply athletic, she’s so sensible. You may simply see by the way in which her ft transfer,” she said. “It isn’t simply defending. It is an artwork.”
In Chelsea, Girma has discovered a crew simply as gifted as she is. The aspect is on an unprecedented successful streak in England’s Girls’s Tremendous League. It is taken house 5 consecutive championships and is on monitor for a sixth. However when longtime coach Emma Hayes left Chelsea for the USWNT final 12 months, the membership went by one thing of an id disaster. Girma’s arrival — and the management qualities she’ll convey together with her — may assist the crew rebuild with out lacking a beat.
For now, because the paperwork will get ironed out, Girma will proceed coaching with San Diego prematurely of the 2025 NWSL season.
Chelsea will return to Tremendous League motion this weekend in opposition to third-placed Arsenal. The USWNT, in the meantime, will regroup in late February to face Colombia, Australia and Japan within the SheBelieves Cup.
