Niamh Charles could not have asked for a better start to the season.

The Chelsea left-back provided two assists as the Women's Super League champions got their campaign under way with a 2-1 win over Tottenham.

Such a strong performance bodes well for the Blues as they look to win a fifth successive title.

Ahead of today's game against Manchester City, we consider whether Charles can build on her impressive performance last time out.

Driving force

Charles' ability to drive her team forward was clear to anyone watching last weekend's season opener.

After the first WSL matchday, no player had made more progressive carries than the England international (seven).

She was also level with Arsenal's Katie McCabe for the most passes into the penalty area (five) and crosses into the box (two).

The first of those deliveries was a superb ball from the left flank for debutant Mia Fishel to head home the opener, while the second was a perfectly-weighted cross into the middle with her weaker foot for Lauren James to convert.

Earned her Spurs

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes singled Charles out for praise following the victory against Spurs.

She said: "Niamh Charles, what a fabulous performance there was from her — I would like to see her more in an England shirt because I thought she was brilliant.

"She never stopped the whole game.

"She has all the qualities to succeed — I think she needs to keep working on improving her decision making in possession but I can see she has been doing that over a period of time."

Defensive strength

While much of the focus has been on Charles' ability to push forward and create chances, she is also a competent defender.

The 24-year-old ranked joint-sixth in the WSL last season for tackles won (39) and fifth for percentage of aerial duels won (69.7%).

But with just three assists to her name throughout 2022-23, Charles looks to have developed her creative attributes ahead of the new campaign.

Given more licence to attack, she could provide another string to Chelsea's already formidable bow.

What's next?

When she joined Chelsea from Liverpool in 2020, Charles' ambitions were clear.

She said: "I just want to be as good as I can be. I have realised the privileged position I'm in with these unbelievable coaches and players.

"I want to know that I've maximised every day in order to get better. When you look at your career as a whole, I want to be competing at the top level and challenging for trophies every year.

"I just want to win and know at the end of my career I did as much as possible and had fun."

Charles has already fulfilled some of her aims, winning three WSL titles, three FA Cups and a League Cup in a Chelsea shirt.

The next step will be to develop her game further, become an England regular and lift more silverware in West London.