Khadija Shaw looks like she means business this season.

The Manchester City striker has been eased into action after returning from international duty with an injury in August.

But she made an immediate impression on her first start of the campaign — contributing a goal and an assist in the Citizens' 2-1 Continental Cup victory over Everton.

Shaw then opened her Women's Super League account last weekend, netting a brace in an emphatic 5-0 humbling of Bristol City.

Ahead of today's top-of-the-table clash with Leicester, we take a look at the impact she could have for Gareth Taylor's side in the coming months.

Goal machine

Shaw was a constant threat against the Robins, registering more shots (eight) than any other player on the pitch.

The Jamaica international found the net with two well-guided headers, as well as striking the underside of the bar.

All of this bodes well for City, though it is hardly surprising. Shaw scored 20 goals in 22 WSL appearances last season — a total bettered only by Aston Villa's Rachel Daly (22).

No player in the division had a higher xG (17.3), while she also registered seven assists.

Inspirational story

Shaw's brilliance over the last year has been recognised with a nomination for the 2023 Ballon d'Or Feminin.

It is a deserved reward for some exceptional performances and for her persistence as a footballer.

Shaw — known affectionately as Bunny — grew up in Jamaica's Spanish Town, where opportunities to play football were limited.

Moving to the United States kickstarted a career that has gone from strength to strength, particularly after her switch from Bordeaux to Manchester City in 2021.

Citizens captain Steph Houghton reflected on her team-mate's trajectory, saying: "With Bunny, we can speak so much about her as a player.

"But I think her journey to where she is today, being from Jamaica and fighting her way to play professional football, is special.

"Everybody has their own stories but Bunny's is so special.

"You have a job not just as a footballer but of inspiring people to do what you do and being that role model."

Setting the standard

The return of Shaw is undoubtedly a boost for Manchester City.

After last season's disappointing fourth-place finish, the hope will be that she can inspire her side to a title challenge.

Discussing the 41-cap international’s importance, City boss Taylor said: "She is such an influence and a player the team looks to in terms of setting off everything we do, whether it be attacking or without the ball.

"She brings so much with her personality and the quality she has. It's fantastic to have her back."

With a tough test against Leicester on the cards this evening, the Citizens will once more be looking to Shaw for inspiration.