Sam Kerr's dazzling the WSL: Can Chelsea superstar lead Australia to glory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup?
It was a cagey affair, but Sam Kerr was the difference between Chelsea and Manchester United. Emma Hayes’ side now move two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand. What can the Australian forward do for her country at the FIFA World Cup this summer?
Football
There’s no question that Sam Kerr has made an impact on English football since her arrival in early 2020.
Having already helped Chelsea complete two consecutive domestic doubles, the Australia national team captain is on course to yet another Women’s Super League title with her London side.
From her confidence in front of goal to her ability to work in unison with teammates, there’s no doubt that Chelsea’s acquisition of Sam Kerr was of envy to their domestic counterparts.
So, following her success in the Women’s Super League, can Kerr help secure her country’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup title this summer?
Sam Kerr for Chelsea
Hailed as the ‘best in the business’ by Emma Hayes, Kerr’s natural instinct to make the best out of any opportunity on the field is what stands her apart.
In the three years since she moved to England, the manner in which the Aussie international has gelled with her club teammates reiterates her mental maturity and leadership capabilities on the pitch.
Whether it’s Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder or youngster Lauren James - Kerr’s ability to read a game and second-guess her side’s next move is what gives her the edge over other forwards in the game.
Her most recent goal against Manchester United, which sent Chelsea to the top of the Women’s Super League, is an example of that exact edge.
Positioning herself on the end of an incredible long-range pass from Lauren James, the Aussie captain controlled the ball with ease and fired it into the back of the net.
Kerr doesn’t just find herself in the right place at the right time by sheer luck, it’s down to her innate ability to second guess what is to come - a crucial characteristic for any side set on winning a World Cup.
Sam Kerr for Australia
In January last year, Kerr became the leading goalscorer for Australia - across both men’s and women’s football having scored 61 goals for her country.
At the last FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019, she also became the first Australian across men’s and women’s to score a hat trick at a World Cup.
When it comes to style of play, Kerr is known for her conviction, physicality, and boldness - but away from the field, she lets her football do the talking.
She has proven herself as a natural leader off the pitch - seemingly instilling an unwavering confidence throughout her teammates, empowering them to perform as their absolute best.
As former USWNT player Abby Wambach wrote for Time, “She leads not through bravado about her own skill, but by directing the spotlight to her teammates, celebrating their unique skills and effort.”
To win a World Cup requires more than just talent. As demonstrated by the USWNT in recent years, talent must meet an unwavering sense of belief and confidence - only then does a victory of any scale become plausible.
Luckily for the Matilda’s, that is a combination of characteristics that Kerr has in abundance.
If she’s not one step ahead of everyone else on the field, she’s empowering her teammates to push beyond their limits or finding the back of the net in the most crucial of circumstances.
For Australia to leave a mark on this summer’s tournament, captain Kerr just might well be the answer.
When to watch Sam Kerr and Australia
The Matildas have a trio of upcoming friendly fixtures against Scotland, England and France. They play Scotland on April 7, England on April 11, and France on July 14 in preparation for when the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off.
Australia first fixture of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is against the Republic of Ireland on July 20 in Group B.