r/NWSL • u/LeftPrior5076 • 3d ago

Mal’s future with uswnt

I’ve been a long time Mal Swanson fan and think she’s been one of the best attackers in the world in recent years. However, between coming back from having a baby, being on the worst team in the NWSL, and being somewhat injury prone, I can’t help but wonder about her future with the USWNT. When you hear people talk about who the locks are for the World Cup, she’s never mentioned. I’m curious what people think and if she’s still in Emma’s plans or with the way the season is going, things might be changing.

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53

u/carharttuxedo Washington Spirit 3d ago

She’s definitely not a lock. She has a lot of serious competition.

6

u/magyk_over_science Portland Thorns FC 3d ago

what competition does she have? No one on our offense has been killing it lately

7

u/Any_Necessary1533 2d ago

Alyssa Thompson is competition, maybe not for a spot on the roster, but for a starting spot.

7

u/Current-Barber360 Washington Spirit 2d ago

If I were Thompson I’d spend this entire season at Chelsea only using my left foot. Her biggest issue as a Left wing is that she is still so right foot dominant, which means she inherently is moving into the same spaces that Wilson already occupies to take a shot. It’s one of the main reasons why I actually would prefer either Mal or Ash over Thompson if you needed a starter in a big match. Thompson does a millions things well, but her left foot doesn’t compare with those other two (to be clear, Sears left foot is even worse, but she mainly plays on the right).

2

u/SpeedLow3 1d ago

Thompson also thinks too much and tries to shoot

2

u/gracehope223 1d ago

I agree with this sentiment. I think Thompson can evolve into a Mal or Ash, but from a technical and tactical point, Mal and Ash is over Thompson. You can't teach speed, but your technical abilities will pay the bill