Ebony Salmon is set for a big season as she returns to the Women's Super League after joining Aston Villa from Houston Dash earlier this month.

The 22-year-old is back where it all started, having kicked off her career as a youth prospect with the Villans in 2014.

Ahead of tomorrow's season opener against Manchester United, we take a look at what the young striker will bring to the Midlands outfit.

All-round game

After a prolific 2022 season in the National Women's Soccer League — during which she scored nine goals in 13 appearances — Salmon was less productive in 2023, netting only once in 17 games.

But the England starlet offers more than just a goal threat, she is also excellent at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

Notably, Salmon ranked inside the NWSL's top 10 players for progressive carries (49) and touches in the opponent's penalty area (74) in 2023.

The four-cap international is also an excellent striker of the ball, ranking fourth in the NWSL for shots on target per 90 minutes (1.62).

Pace and power

Villa boss Carla Ward briefly coached Salmon while in charge of Sheffield United — the attacker spent a season on loan in 2018-19 and scored seven goals in the Women's Championship.

After her move to Villa was confirmed, Ward said: "Ebony is someone I've worked with before and is someone with huge potential.

"She's got pace, power and the ability to change a game.

"She's a player who will add even more competition to our front line and will be a great addition to the group."

Pedigree

Although still a raw talent, Salmon has proved herself to be a consistent and gifted player at the top level for multiple years.

She impressed with Bristol City in the WSL — scoring 11 goals in 34 appearances — before making the move to the United States with Racing Louisville in 2021.

The 5ft 4in speedster has gone on to make four England appearances and will hope to force her way into the national team on a more regular basis having returned to the English top flight.

Next step

A move back to Villa after developing her game across the Atlantic was the natural next step for Salmon.

She said: "It feels really good to be back. It's been a while since I've been here but the club's going in the right direction and I'm excited to be a part of that.

"The set-up is a lot more professional now, there's obviously been a lot more investment in the women's side.

"Over the last two seasons, I've watched some of the games and the way they play is really exciting. It just shows the ambition the club has with the players they're bringing in."

Big ambitions

Villa will be looking to improve upon their fifth-place finish from last season.

On her aspirations for the season, Salmon added: "The aim for the club definitely has to be to improve on last season.

"Finishing fifth [in the WSL] was a great achievement — but we've definitely got to aim for more this year."

Ward's new No17 will be hoping to help topple United in the opening fixture and get her second spell in the Midlands off to the best possible start.