Aissatou Marico

Having overcome a childhood phobia of high-flying objects that left her petrified of headers, this assertive Senegalese midfielder channeled her trauma into an engine of relentless stamina and vertical dominance. She commands the pitch with explosive bursts of movement and tight dribbling, easily overshadowing her complete lack of aerial skill with pure tenacity. While she lacks raw top-end speed, her tireless work rate ensures she suffocates opponents and dictates play until the final whistle.