Gerlinde Knapp

With her imposing frame, this flamboyant Austrian dominates the midfield through endless stamina and lightning-quick acceleration, despite occasionally struggling with her close control in tight spaces. Having almost quit football as a child due to a strange phobia of grass, she channelled that hardship into a driving force that now sees her winning every aerial duel with the hunger of someone who refuses to give up another inch of ground. Her energy on the pitch is as infectious as her extravagant style of play.