Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was unstoppable as Chelsea thrashed Aston Villa 6-0 in the Women's Super League last weekend.

The Sweden international was a constant menace on the right flank, driving at the Villans' defence throughout.

Kaneryd — in just her second start of the WSL season — will have given manager Emma Hayes a decision to make ahead of today's clash with Everton.

As the Blues prepare for their trip to Merseyside, we consider whether the 26-year-old could become a regular for Chelsea.

Player of the match

Kaneryd's goal against Villa was the pick of a high-quality bunch.

She received the ball on the halfway line before powering past three opposition players, proving too quick for the helpless defenders left trailing in her wake.

After driving into the box, she had the composure to fire a powerful finish into the bottom left corner.

It was a glimpse of what Kaneryd can offer, after a debut WSL season in 2022-23 that proved to be something of an adaptation period.

She started just seven league games and made a further 13 appearances as a substitute last term, having joined the club from Swedish side BK Hacken in August 2022.

The aim this season will be to start more games and score more goals — and Kaneryd did herself no harm with her eye-catching display in the Midlands.

Getting better

There is certainly more to come for Kaneryd, who was limited mostly to cameos in 2022-23.

But she has insisted progress is being made, following her switch from Sweden to England last year.

Speaking last month, she said: "I feel like I'm developing all the time in this environment. It was, of course, a challenging first year. I came from a club where I played almost all the minutes and had a huge part in it, a big role.

"I feel like it was a good first year. I felt important and like I took steps in every training session and every game. It's a harder league to play in compared to Sweden.

"I definitely feel like I'm a better player and mentally I feel like a better person too. I feel like I'm able to tackle situations, not playing every game — that's of course a disappointment, you want to play, be a big part, be on the pitch, but you learn a lot.

"I feel grateful for that."

Rytt time

Kaneryd has undoubtedly staked a claim to earn more regular starts for Chelsea in the coming fixtures.

The Blues' No19 looked comfortable operating as a right wing-back in her side's back five, tracking back when required and running forward to devastating effect.

No player on the pitch completed more dribbles than Kaneryd (four) against Villa, while she also ranked second for tackles made (four).

The 36-cap international's standards will need to remain high if she hopes to keep her spot in the team, however.

Chelsea are blessed with real strength in depth and any drop off in performances for an outfit looking to win a fifth successive title could prove costly.

The signs are good for Kaneryd, who will be out to impress again as the WSL champions face Everton.