3️⃣ Real Madrid stars who could light up the Women’s World Cup | OneFootball

With the 2023 Women’s World Cup almost upon us, it’s time to look at who will be the game-changers in Australia and New Zealand.

After impressing at club level, here are three Real Madrid players to look out for with the club’s Player of the Season, Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir, not at the tournament.

Kathellen (Brazil)

Brazil are known for their attacking flair, but it’s important to take note of a key defender for the Selecão.

Real Madrid’s 27-year-old centre-back was a staple for the club in Spain and Europe, starting 26 of 30 Liga F matches and all six of the club’s UEFA Women’s Champions League fixtures. And finished those competitions with only one yellow card.

She led Madrid’s stats in her position with 36 blocks and 58 interceptions over the course of the campaign.

Now it’s time to see whether Kathellen can transfer her club success to the national team as Brazil hunt the trophy they desperately crave after losing the final in 2007.

A member of the 2022 Copa América Femenina winning side, her efforts at club level could nudge manager Pia Sundhage to give her a starting position. In a group against France and a likely meeting with Germany in the Round of 16 she will need to be at her best.

Sandie Tolleti (France)

After signing for Real Madrid at the beginning of last season, it took some time for the 27-year-old midfielder to find her stride.

By the end of the season, only Caroline Weir was having a bigger impact on matches. Toletti possesses the qualities to dominate from midfield, finishing the season second in progressive carries and fifth for combined expected goals and assists.

Toletti also shines with the national team, registering one goal and five assists in nine 2023 appearances for France. Her set-pieces have been crucial for Madrid, and she will look to do the same with France captain Wendie Renard always a huge threat when attacking at dead ball situations.

And she is of the firm belief that Les Bleues now have an edge.

“We were able to touch it with our fingers during the previous competitions that we were able to play. We have always had players with a lot of talent, but what we lacked perhaps was the group, the desire to evolve together.”

After emerging as a go-to player during Euro 2022 and now alongside the leadership of veteran Amandine Henry, can she help France reach the podium?

Misa (Spain)

One player who could reap the rewards of Spain’s internal struggles is goalkeeper Misa.

During Euro 2022, Real Madrid’s numbers one was on the bench behind Barcelona veteran Sandra Paños, who has not been included in the squad this time around. The door is now open for the 23-year-old to play the entire tournament.

The goalkeeper impressed for Madrid in 2022/23, as the club lost just three times and drew twice in Liga F, finishing second to Barça.

Misa has registered three clean sheets in four games this calendar year for La Roja. She will need to be at her best during the group stages against Costa Rica’s Rocky Rodriguez and Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who are both game-changers.

Looking ahead, Spain could meet Norway or Switzerland in the Round of 16, before maybe Sweden, Netherlands or the USA in the latter stages. Back in 2022, the Madrid ace led Spain to a 2-0 win over the top-ranked Americans.