Mayra Ramírez makes unpicking defences look effortless. It's impossible not to watch in awe as she unmasks even the most experienced WSL defenders with a turn, a shrug, a touch or a flick.
Her goal in the fourth minute of Chelsea's game at Arsenal in October placed the final nail in the coffin of Jonas Eidevall's tenure, and it would be hammered down by the hosts' 2-1 defeat. With her back to goal, Ramírez capitalised on poor defending and hooked the ball over her head, beyond Daphne van Domselaar and in.
She is a player made for the big moment and now she is settled in London, having joined Chelsea from Levante in January for a British record €450,000 (£375,000) plus add-ons, and ready for more.
Tomorrow, Sonia Bompastor's unbeaten side host their title rivals Manchester City at Stamford Bridge and Ramírez will face arguably the WSL's most in-form centre-back, Alex Greenwood. "I love it," says the unassuming Colombian. "They're the challenges that any player wants to have - facing the best players in the best teams. Earlier today, I played against Millie [Bright] in training. I get to practise against the best in training sessions almost every day - that makes you grow as a footballer. Man City will be a great challenge."
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 15, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 15, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
What is Rachel Reeves planning?
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career
