Putellas, Mead, Oberdorf: Who should win the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year?

UEFA have revealed the shortlist for their Women’s Player of the Year award, but who deserves to take home the title? 

Lionesses hero Beth Mead, Barcelona maestro Alexia Putellas and German midfielder Lena Oberdorf are the three players nominated, with the winner to be announced at the 2022-23 Champions League group stage ceremony on August, 25th in Istanbul. 

All three enjoyed standout seasons and are also among the contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or Féminin. 

The players were selected from an initial shortlist of 22, chosen by the UEFA technical study group based on performances for club and country during the 2021/22 season. 

An expert panel, consisting of both journalists and coaches then narrowed the list down to just three. 

We’ve analysed the contenders and given our verdict on which player deserves to win the award. 

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Mead had a stellar domestic season with Arsenal and established herself as one of the first names on Jonas Eidevall’s teamsheet. 

The winger carried over her form from the Women’s Super League to Euro 2022, where she scored six goals in six games, including a hat-trick against Norway. 

In the end, the 27-year-old edged Germany’s Alexandra Popp in the scoring charts to win the Golden Boot and was also named the Player of the Tournament. 

At just 20 years of age, Oberdorf has become of the most sought-after youngsters in the world and was a commanding presence for Germany at Euro 2022. 

For her exceptional performances in the middle of the park, the Wolfsburg star was named the Young Player of the Tournament. 

A statement on the UEFA website said that the young midfielder “flourished in the middle of the park for the tournament