The England defender has arguably been the best performer in the Women's Super League this season, and she is now looking to replicate that in Europe
There was no more interesting duel in Saturday's Women's League Cup final than that between Millie Bright, the Chelsea centre-back, and Khadija Shaw, Manchester City's star striker. At the opposite end of the pitch, Mayra Ramirez's overwhelming success in her battle with Laia Aleixandri proved to be a big difference-maker in the Blues' 2-1 win – but Bright's ability to lock down Shaw, who managed just one shot on target all match, was perhaps just as significant.
While Bright didn't win every header and every little duel with Shaw (arguably no defender could), she limited her effectiveness massively, so often getting in the way to block shots and restrict her space in the box to prevent the Jamaica international from impacting the game. Combining well with Nathalie Bjorn to prevent City having many clear cut chances, Bright was one of Chelsea's best performers on the day, and her reward was the opportunity to lift the League Cup for the first time in four years.
However, the England star's display was simply a continuation of what she has shown all season. Now, after some real bad luck with injuries, the Chelsea captain is primed to be fully involved in the final stretch of the season again and, for the first time in four years, has the opportunity to make a real difference in their quest for that elusive Women's Champions League title.
GettyMaking up for lost time
The last time a fully-fit Bright played a significant role in the knockout phase of the Champions League was way back in the 2020-21 season, when she helped Chelsea reach the final for the first time. After a difficult group-stage exit the following year, the Blues were in the quarter-finals again in the 2022-23 season, but it was in the first leg of their win over Lyon that Bright limped off with a season-ending knee injury.
Last season, it was quite the opposite situation, with Bright sidelined for five months and actually making her return in the Champions League in late April, albeit only as an 84th-minute substitute in the second leg of Chelsea's semi-final loss to Barcelona. Thrown on as a makeshift centre-forward as the Blues desperately searched for a goal to keep them in the competition, she could not impact the tie as she would've hoped to.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesIn flying form
But now, in her first campaign of full fitness since 2021-22, Bright has reminded everybody of her incredible quality. She has been immense all year long and should certainly be a strong contender for top honours when the end-of-season awards come around.
Ranking among the top five players in the Women's Super League for most successful passes, aerial duels won and interceptions made, Bright is also among the top three Chelsea players for winning tackles, duels and possession, while leading the Blues' squad for blocks made and most successful long passes. Only Manchester United have conceded fewer goals than Sonia Bompastor's still undefeated side this term, and their captain has been a big part of the reason why.
"Her performances have been great," Bompastor said of Bright on Saturday. "She's really having an impact on the team. I'm really pleased for her because she's a really good player, but also a good person. It's always positive when one of your leaders, and the main leader in Chelsea, is performing at that level. I think she just sets the tone for everyone else and as a captain, she shows the example."
GettyLeader and a performer
That's the other element of Bright's value that cannot be quantified. Her leadership is immaculate, as further evidenced by the fact she earned her the role of England captain when Leah Williamson was ruled of the 2023 Women's World Cup, and led the Lionesses to the final there.
England have a lot of depth at centre-back and there are a lot of differing opinions among observers about who should be starting at this summer's European Championship. Many have long wanted to see Alex Greenwood in there regularly, owing to her world-class displays over the last few years, while Jess Carter has always been solid when she given the opportunity. Then there is Williamson, the captain and a player who has looked good for Arsenal in the second half of this season. Others, such as Esme Morgan, Millie Turner and Maya Le Tissier, will also hope to throw their hats in the ring over the next few months. It's one of the most competitive areas in the entire team.
Right now, though, it's hard to argue against Bright being the most in-form centre-back at England's disposal. She has been the most outstanding player in that position in the WSL this term and Sarina Wiegman will certainly hope she carries that momentum into the summer.
GettyStepping up
That's been especially important lately, too, as Chelsea have endured some serious bad luck in the position. Kadeisha Buchanan suffered a devastating ACL injury back in November, thus curtailing her season. When the January transfer window opened, the Blues strengthened in the position in the most emphatic manner possible, signing United States international Naomi Girma for a world-record fee. However, she arrived with a knock and has not played since limping off during her eventual debut over two weeks ago. Maelys Mpome has also been out since mid-February, leaving Bompastor with just Bright and Bjorn as her only natural centre-back options.
Fortunately, both have been superb. "It's really important, especially having the chemistry between these two players in the back line," their coach noted at the weekend. It was no surprise that their strong understanding on the pitch was top of mind for Bompastor, given the comments came shortly after the pair had worked together to deal so well with Shaw's threat.
There are other players who have deputised in the heart of defence when absolutely necessary, be it the incredibly versatile Sjoeke Nusken or England's Lucy Bronze, and Bompastor did admit she may need to think about those options in the coming weeks, if others do not return soon, in order to give Bright and Bjorn some rest.
For now, though, neither look to be feeling any negative effects of the increasing importance of their top form and instead look primed to simply continue it as the big games come thick and fast.