Meriam Bakar

With a flamboyant presence and an impenetrable defense, this Malaysian holding midfielder turns interceptions into pure art. After overcoming a freak foot injury suffered during a mistimed dance move, she channeled that frustration into an explosive vertical leap that masks her lack of top-end sprint speed. She dominates the middle of the park with bone-crushing tackles and a sheer physical presence that makes her the heartbeat of the team.