Rachel Daly's Insatiable Hunger for Triumph Aims to Propel Aston Villa in Closing the Women's Super League Gap

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward is confident that Rachel Daly's hunger for success will drive the team as they aim to compete with the top four in the Women's Super League. With an exceptional year behind her, Daly emerged as Aston Villa's leading goal scorer in the WSL, played a vital role in England's journey to their first-ever World Cup final, and was recently honored as the PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year.

The 31-year-old recently signed a permanent deal with Villa, having previously played for Houston Dash. She will play a crucial role in Villa's efforts to narrow the gap between themselves and Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United.

Villa manager Carla Ward expressed her confidence in the player, stating, "I predicted that she would score goals and become a center forward, and she has indeed delivered. I even mentioned that she would play for England in the number nine position, which she has achieved."

"Rachel's performance this season has been absolutely incredible. And now, on top of all that, she has received the prestigious PFA award. Personally, I believe this award holds the utmost significance - it is a true testament to her talent and skill, as it is bestowed upon her by her fellow athletes. I can't think of a greater honor."

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"She has an insatiable appetite for growth. Her immediate desire is to enhance her skills. There are specific aspects of her game that she aims to refine, which truly reflects her determination.

"She acknowledges the scrutiny she will face based on her performance from the previous season. She aspires to introduce a distinctive element, and we are enthused by her enthusiasm."

Aston Villa showed remarkable improvement in the WSL during the previous season, elevating from a ninth position in 2021/22 to a commendable fifth place in 2022/23. Their immediate objective now is to narrow the distance between themselves and the top four teams, as they finished 10 points behind Manchester City in their latest campaign.

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Aston Villa host Manchester United at Villa Park in their opening game of the season on October 1

"Expectations soar, both from within and externally. You are well aware of the pressure that comes with being the reigning champion. Everyone is vying for our position because we are the ones to beat," remarked Ward.

"That's the undeniable truth, that's the situation we face, but we are determined to narrow the margin. We achieved that last year, but it required immense dedication, unwavering focus, and a plethora of innovative strategies."

"We've brought in some new faces behind the scenes, new faces, obviously, on the pitch and that will hopefully allow us to do that."

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New signing Daphne van Domselaar had interest from over a dozen clubs, according to Aston Villa manager Carla Ward

One of the fresh additions to the team is Daphne van Domselaar, the goalkeeper from the Netherlands, who joined from Twente during the summer transfer season.

"She's an exceptional player. We initiated conversations with her during Christmas, and she possesses an incredible talent. Ever since I saw her performance at Bramall Lane during the Euros, she has consistently impressed me," Ward commented.

"See, with 14 clubs on the table, we're thrilled that she chose to come here. Despite being here for just a week, she has already shown remarkable talent."

In addition to Van Domselaar, Villa has also signed Lucy Parker, a center-back previously with West Ham.

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Carla Ward is seeking to assemble a team capable of rivaling Chelsea's domination in the Women's Super League.

The enhanced squad will encounter a succession of initial challenges, taking on Manchester United, Liverpool, and subsequently Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their first three matches.

"We aspire to compete in high-profile matches; that is our purpose. I believe anyone who seeks an effortless beginning is being untruthful," expressed Ward.

"We yearn for formidable opponents in the early stages, as they present an opportunity to gauge one's progress. To be frank, we are genuinely pleased with our initial fixtures," Ward added.

"A lot of people probably won't give us much hope, but we certainly will."

Watch Liverpool vs Aston Villa live on We on Sunday October 8, kick-off 6.45pm.