Hayley Elizabeth Ladd

Hayley Elizabeth Ladd is a pivotal player for Crystal Palace in the Women's Championship, known for her commanding presence in central midfield. At 33, the Welsh international has honed her skills to become a quintessential anchor, playing a crucial role in stabilizing her team's performance. Throughout her five appearances this season, Ladd has clocked in 452 minutes, displaying remarkable consistency and endurance on the field. While primarily a defensive midfielder, she still manages to contribute offensively, with a goals per game rate of 0.22, reflecting her ability to be a threat in set-piece situations despite modest shot volumes of 0.45 per game.

Ladd's defensive capabilities are highlighted by her impressive stats, boasting 3.97 possession-adjusted interceptions and 9.33 challenges per game, with a notable challenge success rate of 70%. Her defensive acumen not only disrupts opponents' plays but also lays the foundation for launching counterattacks. Her progressive passing contributions, with an average distance of 156.85 meters per game, rank her third on the playmaker scale, underscoring her ability to transition the ball effectively and accelerate her team's forward momentum. Despite no registered assists this season, her value on the pitch as a defensive stalwart with an estimated transfer value of €32,000 illustrates her importance to the squad and the strategic role she plays at the heart of Crystal Palace's midfield.