In the second of a four-part series (part one:the top 30 men's footballers in Britain) analysing the best players in British sport, Tom Garry ranks the top 30 players in women's football. The criteria is simple: the players chosen simply have to play the vast majority of their football in the United Kingdom.
1. Lucy Bronze
A European champion for a third time with Lyon in August, a Women's FA Cup winner for a second time with Manchester City in November, and now officially crowned the 'best' player in the world by Fifa, Bronze has had an incredibly successful 2020. Her peers regard her as the planet's elite player and there is nobody in the sport with greater physical or mental attributes.
2. Vivianne Miedema
The Holland striker broke the Women's Super League's all-time goals record in October as she became the first player to score 50 times in the competition. Her ruthless finishing, effortless class and intelligent movement has seen her net more than a goal per game this season and she is well on her way to securing the WSL's golden boot for a third straight campaign.
3. Pernille Harder
Denmark's captain already had a world-class reputation before her September transfer to Chelsea, helping German side Wolfsburg reach last season's Champions League final. Since her arrival in London, she has added huge quality to Chelsea, seemingly gliding across the pitch, spotting runs even before her team-mates make them, and proving formidable in front of goal. She is a model professional.
4. Sam Mewis
Of the five World Cup-winning United States stars to join English clubs in the 2020 summer transfer window, the towering Mewis has had the greatest impact, bossing Manchester City's midfield. Few can cope with her strength in the centre of the park and her runs from deep into the box - and her aerial threat at corners - make her a huge asset for City.
5. Ji So-yun
In my opinion, one of the most under-rated players of the year has been Chelsea's South Korea star Ji, whose tactical awareness saw her control the midfield in key games. Often going under the radar amid the goals of Beth England, Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby, Ji has been majestic playing in a deeper role behind them and deserves greater plaudits.
6. Sam Kerr
It may have initially taken Kerr a little while to find her shooting boots, but WSL fans are now seeing why Sam Kerr set goalscoring records in both the US and Australia.
7. Kim Little
Wonderfully composed on the ball, with great feet, vision and awareness, Little could get into any team in the world. When she is at her best for Arsenal, not many teams can live with them.
8. Beth England
Voted PFA player of the season for 2019-20, England has had great moments in 2020, including scoring the late goal to win February's Continental League Cup final.
9. Guro Reiten
Chelsea's secret weapon as they won last year's title in her first season in England, the clever Norway winger deserves a place in any WSL 'team of the year'. A class act.
10. Tobin Heath
Heath has brought high standards to Manchester United, helping them top the table. At 32, she is still scoring plenty of spectacular goals and shows no sign of letting up.
11. Caroline Weir
With one of the best left feet in the world, the Scotland star has thrilled Manchester City fans this year and the 2022 European Championships will be the poorer for her absence.
12. Magdalena Eriksson
A leader from the back, a world-class defender and a superb captain for Chelsea, Sweden's Eriksson is an excellent ambassador for the sport, both on and off the pitch.
13. Jill Roord
The Holland's Roord began the new WSL season by scoring back-to-back hat-tricks for Arsenal in September as has been a joy to watch, always a threat in attacking areas.
14. Ellie Roebuck
Seemingly unbeatable at times, the young Manchester City goalkeeper has staked her claim to be England's number one for most of this decade and the Lionesses are lucky to have her.
15. Jordan Nobbs
She has been desperately unlucky with injuries, but when she is fully fit, there is no more creative midfielder in the country. It is a privilege watching her thread needles through defences.
16. Millie Turner
One of the key reasons behind Manchester United's rise to the top of the table has been the coming-of-age of Turner. A brilliant defender who deserves more chances with England in 2021.
17. Leah Williamson
If there is a better ball-playing centre-back in the game than Williamson, I have not seen them in 2020. Versatile, determined and loyal, she could become an Arsenal legend.
18. Steph Houghton
After making some mistakes for England in 2019, the past year saw Houghton back to her best, especially for Manchester City. A magnificent captain, who lifted the FA Cup at Wembley yet again.
19. Chloe Kelly
Pacey, skillful and inventive down the flanks, Kelly is a nightmare for full-backs and is showing she has a big future ahead of her. Still only 22, we can expect big things from her.
20. Izzy Christiansen
Slowly finding her best form again after injury, Christiansen played a key role in helping Everton reach the FA Cup final and would be an asset to any midfield.
21. Maren Mjelde (Chelsea)
22. Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
23. Danielle van de Donk (Arsenal)
24. Leah Galton (Manchester United
25. Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)
26. Caitlin Foord (Arsenal)
27. Lucy Graham (Everton)
28. Beth Mead (Arsenal)
29. Fran Kirby (Chelsea)
30. Ann-Katrin Berger (Chelsea)
