History beckons for Chelsea midfield marvel Ingle

Sophie Ingle is poised to make history when Chelsea face Liverpool in the Women's Super League on Saturday. 

The Wales international equalled the all-time record for most league appearances during her side's 3-0 win at Everton last weekend. 

And she now has the opportunity to break the landmark in front of a bumper crowd at Stamford Bridge. 

Ahead of the showdown with Matt Beard's Reds, we take a look at Ingle's career and the qualities she brings to the Blues. 

Record breaker

Ingle, 32, came off the bench in the 64th minute as Emma Hayes' champions strolled to victory against Everton. 

It was her 183rd appearance in the WSL, equalling the record set by former Birmingham and Tottenham defender Kerys Harrop. 

After the match, Ingle said: "It's a nice record to get to. I've been in this league for many years now and suppose it shows my age as well! 

"It's an honour for me to reach this, especially at a club like Chelsea." 

Having started four WSL games this season before coming on against Everton, Ingle remains an important member of Hayes' side.

And she joked about her desire to break the appearance record against her former club Liverpool.

Ingle added: "I'll have to speak to Emma and see if she can get me on the pitch!" 

Midfield presence

Ingle's career began at Cardiff and she first joined Chelsea in 2012, before moving to Bristol Academy in 2014 to be closer to her homeland of Wales. 

Ingle signed for Liverpool in 2015 and then returned to the Blues three years later, where she has won four WSL titles, three FA Cups and a League Cup. 

Starting out as a defender, the Wales captain has become a reliable defensive midfielder.

Ingle's positional awareness allows her to complete a high number of interceptions and she is also an incisive passer.

While not a regular goalscorer, she has the distinction of being nominated for FIFA's Puskas Award thanks to her spectacular long-range volley against Arsenal in 2020. 

The manager's verdict

Hayes has spoken about the qualities Ingle has brought to the club.

The Chelsea boss said: "Sophie is somebody who goes about her work quietly. She does the job in front of the back four that's required. 

"I think she's proved her football intelligence, her football IQ is so high. 

"Positionally, technically, she's good on the ball, she's good in the air, she can be vocal when she wants to be. 

"She does her job, she's a team player and is certainly very valued by myself as someone who, yeah, maybe goes under the radar a little bit. 

"But as every coach will tell you, Sophie Ingles are always players we love to work with because they do it without needing both the praise nor the kick up the backside. Perfect world scenario." 

With Ingle's contract running until 2025, it is a scenario that is set to continue for some time.