Lauren Hemp: The Winger Who Deserves Ballon d'Or Recognition

As the Women's Super League heats up, it’s impossible to ignore the standout performances from Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp. This season, she has been in sensational form, yet somehow, she didn’t make the Ballon d'Or top 30. It’s a puzzling oversight that deserves a closer look. While teammates like Khadija Shaw, who secured a commendable third place, and Yui Hasegawa, who came in at 11th, shone in the awards, Hemp's absence from the list raises eyebrows. Shaw may be the star scorer, currently on an impressive run of eight consecutive league goals, but it’s Hemp's creativity that fuels Shaw’s success. The synergy between Hemp and Shaw is remarkable. Since the previous season, Hemp has assisted Shaw in six goals, making them the deadliest duo in the league. Together, they’ve recorded a staggering 20 goals, with Hemp setting Shaw up for 12 crosses and creating 14 goal-scoring opportunities this season alone. Shaw herself highlighted their chemistry, saying, "When she's on the ball, I know I have to make the run." However, the crux of the issue lies in Hemp's own goal tally, which has been less impressive. Known for her selflessness, she excels in creating chances rather than finishing them, a skill that often goes unappreciated. It seems that this deficiency is a primary reason for her exclusion from the Ballon d'Or conversation, despite City’s lack of European competition last year not hindering Shaw’s recognition. This year, things are shifting, as Hemp is stepping up her game. She and Shaw are on track to become the first pair of teammates to hit 10 goal involvements each in just eight matches since the partnership of Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby in 2021-22. Their extraordinary connection is reminiscent of Chelsea’s dominant period. Andree Jeglertz, Hemp's manager, recently praised her, stating, "I can't find words on her. She just wants to play football... I'm so happy that she is scoring because that has been a little bit of a topic for her." Indeed, Hemp is finding the back of the net more frequently, showcasing her development as a player. This season, she’s been instrumental in City’s attacking play, contributing to the most build-up and direct attacks in the league. Hemp's positioning may be subtle, but her increased presence in the box is making a significant impact. Her touches in the box have risen from seven to ten per game, indicating her growing ability to convert chances. In a recent match against London City, Hemp not only assisted Shaw but also scored a crucial winner, proving her ability to influence games decisively. Despite sharing the pitch with Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, it was Hemp who truly dazzled, scoring a brilliantly-timed goal that highlighted her talent. As she prepares to equal Steph Houghton’s record for the most league appearances for Manchester City this weekend, it's clear that at just 26, Hemp is already making her mark as a WSL great. It’s high time her contributions received the recognition they deserve on a global scale.