By OkayGoal 
The 2025 NWSL season has been off to a great start, with many players showing exceptional talent. In particular, the game in the midfield has certainly elevated with on-ball footwork and crafty passing. Let’s weave through some of the top midfielders to keep an eye out for this season.
Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
It only makes sense to start with the reigning Midfielder and Rookie of the Year. Although continuing to achieve full strength, there’s no doubt that once Bethune returns to the pitch, the Spirit will only be tougher to beat. Her outstanding rookie season consisted of ten assists and five goals.
Angelina (Orlando Pride)
After helping Orlando Pride win the league title last season, midfielder Angelina only strengthens the club’s chances of repeating the same mission. The passing accuracy that Angelina is capable of stabilizes the midfield area for Orlando. With her skill on the ball, Angelina makes Orlando more of a threat with the likelihood of setting up prolific scorers Barbra Banda and Marta.
Debinha (KC Current)
Brazilian star Debinha is no stranger to success. She is one of the most accomplished players in the league, and she has two NWSL titles under her belt. Her impact on Current is undeniable, and fans should keep tabs on #99 if they wish to see creativity and savviness in play.
Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns)
Many are aware of the electric style Moultrie brings to the pitch. Her ability to be aggressive while seeking to set up teammates for easy finishes is a quality that sets Moultrie apart from others. With the league’s rising youth, Moultrie is one of the key figures leading the way for young women.
Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham)
Despite being out due to injury and recovering from ankle surgery, Lavelle is proposing to make her return sometime this season. With a lot of movement and concern coming from the Gotham organization, Lavelle’s composure may be the missing piece Gotham needs to find their groove. Her quickness and ability to weave through opponents are what put her among the best of the best.
Leciy Santos (Washington Spirit)
Experienced and skilled, Santos gives Spirit that extra flair in the midfield. Her ball control makes it easy for opponents to dive and watch her swiftly towards goal. In only 10 appearances with Spirit, Santos has netted two goals and recorded one assist.
Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage)
Seeing Shaw in new threads may be unusual for fans initially, but witnessing Shaw’s footwork and ball control is no surprise to many. Now with the Courage, Shaw’s excellent passing ability and dribbling skills can take the team deeper into the playoffs. We should all be excited to see Shaw’s impact with the Courage.
Kennedy Fuller (Angel City FC)
Still very young in her professional career, Fuller carries great potential and has shown flashes of excellent ball control in the middle. Fuller has become a reliable asset in the middle and shows a promising future with Angel City.
Hina Sugita (Portland Thorns)
Sugita has been with the Thorns since 2022, and her skills have only improved. Her stellar ability to keep the ball close to her while surrounded by defenders gives the Thorns another edge in the midfield. Whether faking out defenders or sneaking passes in tight spaces, Sugita has proven her skill to be elite.
Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage)
Sanchez is very familiar with twists and turns in her career, and very much like her skillset, her ball control, in a way, mimics the road her career has taken thus far. Besides all her career moves, Sanchez’s dribbling technique and ability to dash past opponents set her up as a prominent midfielder to watch out for.
Featured image via Getty Images
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS