Lauren Hemp, Mapi León: The top 5 players of the Arnold Clark Cup so far | OneFootball

The Arnold Clark Cup may not have produced countless goals so far, but it has showcased some highly competitive football between many of the world’s best teams.

Three of the four matches have ended in a stalemate, while Canada leapt to the top of the table after beating Germany 1-0.

The competition has seen a number of fine defensive displays, alongside moments of individual attacking brilliance.

With just one round of fixtures to go, here are the five players who have impressed the most so far:

Jess Carter

Carter has been one of the most improved players in the Women’s Super League this season and is now a regular starter for Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side.

Hayes has regularly touted Carter as a player with bounds of potential and the defender is now beginning to show her quality on the international stage.

The 24-year-old made a 26-minute cameo against Canada in England’s opening game and looked incredibly composed for someone so inexperienced at international level.

Carter’s notable impact off the bench earned her a start against Spain and the Chelsea star was once again a rock at the back.

Competent at playing as a full-back or in central defence, Carter could prove to be an important player for the Lionesses in years to come.

Mapi León

Much has been made of Barcelona’s outstanding attacking options, but this often overshadows the excellence of defenders like Mapi León.

The centre-back was an integral part of Barca’s Champions League winning side last year and has helped the Catalonian side maintain one of the best defensive records in Europe this season.

León was snubbed of a Ballon d’Or nomination last year and has proved this tournament why she is one of the best centre-backs in world football.

Against England, León kept veteran England striker Ellen White quiet all game as the Lionesses mustered just one shot on target.

Kadeisha Buchanan

Buchanan has long been one of Canada’s best players and is a three-time recipient of the Canadian Player of the Year Award.

With more than 100 caps for her country already, the 26-year-old has bundles of international experience and marshalls a Canada backline that many consider to be the best in the world right now.

Canada drew their first game against England 1-1, but won their second match against Germany to move top of the group.

This was largely down to the efforts of the Lyon star, who quelled any potential German threat and made defending look remarkably easy at times.

Janine Beckie

At the other end of the pitch, Beckie is continuing to shine at international level and has played a part in both of Canada’s goals in the competition.

The Manchester City forward scored a screamer against England to help earn a draw and set up Vanessa Gilles for the winner against Germany.

Beckie has scored just once in the WSL for City this season, but it appears Canada coach Bev Priestman knows how to get the best out of the 27-year-old.

Lauren Hemp

England are blessed with a plethora of forward options but Hemp has unarguably been the pick of the bunch in the Arnold Clark Cup so far.

The 21-year-old made a number of driving runs into the box against Canada and was unlucky not to score after being sent through on goal by Keira Walsh.

Against Spain, Hemp started on the bench but was quickly called upon by Sarina Wiegman at half-time to inject some much-needed impetus into the Lionesses attack.

Hemp has been in great form for Man City of late as well and looks to be one of the first names on the England team sheet ahead of the European Championships this summer.