Pernille Harder proving why she’s worth a world record fee at Chelsea | OneFootball

Only six months after moving from the Frauen Bundesliga to the FA Women’s Super League, Chelsea’s Pernille Harder has not taken long to find her groove in England.

Since signing a three-year deal, the Danish international has shown why she is worth a world record fee after having an instant impact for manager Emma Hayes’s side.

In fact, she has handled the pressure effortlessly and shows no signs of slowing down.

So far this season, Harder has scored 10 goals for Chelsea in all competitions including a hat-trick in the Conti Cup semi-final against West Ham and a brace against Arsenal on 10 February.

However, her skills aren’t only reflected in her goal tally. She has also been a key figure in Chelsea’s chance creation.

According to her WSL statistics on FBref, Harder’s pass rate into the penalty area and progressive passes both sit in the 93rd percentile.

Even more impressive, her total shots (excluding penalties) sits in the 99th percentile and her direct goal creating actions sits in the 98th percentile.

All of these qualities (and many others) are what convinced Hayes to sign Harder for a reported €300k back in the fall.

“One of her biggest attributes is her movement,” Hayes told Chelsea’s official website in September 2020.

“She knows when to create space for others. Her decision-making in the final third and the timing of her runs into the box is exceptional.

“Her finishing and nose for goal is proven on the world stage for a number of years.”

Beyond her technical ability, Hayes pointed out that Harder’s work ethic within the team will also be a crucial skill for the Blues.

In fact, when Harder initially signed for the Blues she touched on her excitement to play alongside Fran Kirby.

The pair have been a dynamic duo on the pitch for Chelsea with Kirby providing both of Harder’s assists against Arsenal before scoring one of her own.

With a resumé like Harder’s, which includes being named as the Guardian’s best female footballer on the planet and the 2019/20 UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, there was no doubt her quality would shine in England.

Fortunately for the Blues, her ability to hit the ground running has them in an even better position to achieve their treble dreams.