In Focus: Reiten reaching new heights for Chelsea

Callum Rice-Coates
LiveScore
  
Guro Reiten scored a dramatic late equaliser for Chelsea against Manchester City
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Guro Reiten was Chelsea's saviour last weekend.

The winger netted a 96th-minute equaliser at title challengers Manchester City, firing home from close range after a scramble in the box.

It could prove to be a vital goal for the Blues this season as they aim to win a fifth successive Women's Super League title.

Ahead of their London derby with West Ham today, we take a look at Reiten's role in Emma Hayes' team.

Creative and consistent

As well as bagging such a crucial goal, Reiten has shown off her abilities as a creator this term.

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The Norway international ranks first in the WSL for key passes (11), touches in the opposition box (14), crosses (20) and shot-creating actions (15).

Reiten's creativity will be key for Chelsea as they look to break down compact defences throughout the campaign — and her form is a continuation of last season's performances.

The 29-year-old provided a league-high 11 assists in 2022-23 and also scored nine goals, her best return since joining Chelsea in 2019.

Only Manchester City's Khadija Shaw (27) and Aston Villa star Rachel Daly (28) boasted a better goal contribution tally than Reiten (20), further highlighting her status as one of the WSL's most influential players.

Chelsea were indebted to Guro Reiten in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Manchester City

Dream to work with

Reiten has earned well-deserved praise for her performances this year, particularly from Chelsea boss Hayes.

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She said back in March: "Reiten is just a wonderful player. So intelligent, takes up great positions, in possession she's so versatile. 

"She's an absolute dream to work with. You can tell Guro anything and she can implement it."

"In the biggest games, in the biggest moments, I think she carried the team for large parts of this year."

Service provider

Plenty of onlookers have been impressed by Reiten too.

Former Chelsea forward Lianne Sanderson singled her out as a key player towards the end of last season.

The 35-year-old said: "She [Reiten] is so good at providing the service to the forward line and she's been brilliant for Chelsea.

"When she came into the squad nobody knew the impact she would have — they thought she'd be a squad player, but she's been brilliant."

Guro Reiten helped Norway reach the last 16 of the World Cup last summer

Modest Guro

Since joining Chelsea from Norwegian side LSK Kvinner, Reiten has won four WSL titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups.

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Her performances resulted in a 2023 Ballon d'Or nomination after making it into the PFA Team of the Year for 2022-23.

But Reiten is a team player — endearingly modest and unconcerned by individual accolades.

She said: "I just try to be the best version of myself. 

"Yes, I have a lot of assists, but to me that doesn't really matter because I just want to win.

"As long as I get a medal around my neck I'm happy."

Tags

Women's Super LeagueChelsea FC WomenGuro ReitenWest Ham United Women

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