Taylor Malham, a talented right back for the Chicago Stars in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), has quickly made a name for herself in the world of women's football. Hailing from the United States and currently 27 years old, Malham has shown an impressive ability to handle both defensive and offensive duties on the field, embodying the dynamic qualities of a modern wing back. Standing out for her robust play style and strategic field positioning, Malham is a crucial asset to her team in the highly competitive league.
In her recent stint with the Chicago Stars, Taylor Malham has participated in five games, accumulating a total of 388 minutes on the pitch. Although she hasn't found the back of the net yet or provided any assists, her contributions in other areas are significant. Notably, she boasts an xG (expected goals) per game of 0.07 and attempts an average of 1.31 shots per game, highlighting her willingness and capability to push forward and support attacking plays. Her playmaker rank of 1.5 further emphasizes her potential to develop into a key figure in creating opportunities for her team.
Defensively, Taylor Malham's work rate is evident in her stats, as she averages 4.21 interceptions per game on a possession-adjusted basis—a testament to her ability to read the game and disrupt the opponent's play effectively. She also engages in 3.68 challenges per game, maintaining a challenge success rate of 48%, which underscores her combative presence on the field. Malham's proficiency in progressing the ball is highlighted by her impressive average of 32.98 meters in progressive carrying distance per game, coupled with an outstanding 201 meters in progressive passing distance per game. This combination of skills not only aids her defensive duties but also amplifies her team's ability to transition quickly from defense to offense.
Taylor Malham's football journey began in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she cultivated her passion and skill for the game. Her college years were spent honing her craft with the Arkansas Razorbacks, where she developed the foundational attributes that now serve her so well in the professional arena. As she continues to evolve as a player within the NWSL, Malham's estimated transfer value of €23K is a modest figure that could rise as she gains more experience and visibility. For fans and analysts alike, Taylor Malham is undoubtedly a player to watch as she continues to make strides in her professional career with the Chicago Stars.