Darla Thornton

This flamboyant American center-back is a whirlwind of precision tackling and explosive pace, even though her jumping ability leaves much to be desired. She insists the entire team watch her balance a spoon on the tip of her nose for exactly ten seconds before kickoff, a bizarre ritual that leaves her teammates somewhere between amused and completely baffled. Her ferocious intensity on the pitch more than compensates for her aerial struggles, making her a nightmare for any opposing striker.