Frieda van Manen

This Dutch center-back is an imposing tower in defense whose leaping ability and sheer strength make her nearly impossible to overcome, even if her acceleration sometimes falters on quick turns. Before every match, she insists on tucking a rolled-up old sock into her left shin guard, an eccentric superstition that leaves her teammates equally bewildered and amused. Despite her reserved nature, she commands total respect on the pitch through her ruthless tackling and aerial dominance.