The 2024 NWSL Playoffs begin on Friday, November 8, and there are reasons to believe all eight teams have a chance to lift the trophy later this month. With more teams in the playoffs than any previous years and all of them needing to win three games, anything can happen.
Naturally, more teams in the postseason means more players get to participate. That also means more star players will have a chance to rise to the occasion on a big stage. But that doesn’t mean it will only be star players stealing the spotlight. Anyone on the field has a chance to play the role of hero.
At this point in the season, every team knows who its key players are likely to be during the playoffs. In some cases, that player is the biggest star on the team. However, in other cases, that player is someone who has been overlooked but plays a critical role in the team’s success.
NWSL Playoffs: Key players to watch
That got us thinking about the most important player on every NWSL team. Who are the players that need to step up and be at their best for their team to succeed in the playoffs? After taking a close look at every roster, here is the most important player on every NWSL team heading into the playoffs.
Orlando Pride — Marta
For Orlando, Barbra Banda has been the most…
