The first half of the Women’s Champions League season has delivered dominant powerhouses, breakout talents and individual performances of the very highest calibre. From Györis near-impenetrable defense to Metz’s explosive attack and Reistad’s relentless brilliance, the competition has already produced countless storylines. Here are the standout players, coaches and surprises from an eventful autumn.
Goalkeeper: Hatadou Sako, Györi
Györi concede barely any goals, and even though the French national team goalkeeper has a skilled defense in front of her, it’s clear she has performed at a very high and consistent level. A match-winner of the highest caliber.
Left wing: Camilla Herrem, Sola
After everything Herrem has been through and then managed to come back and perform at the level she has – it’s nothing short of extraordinary. Ridiculously efficient, just as she has always been.
Pivot: Sarah Bouktit
Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRÅN
Per Johansson described her before the World Championship as handball’s Nikola Jokić. And honestly, it couldn’t be more accurate. Second in the scoring race and almost unstoppable on the line for Metz.
Right wing: Luce Granier, Metz
Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRÅN
Speaking of Metz. The French powerhouse has been difficult to beat all season – their only loss came against Györi – and Granier has been scoring at will. A player who has developed enormously over the past two seasons and who now undoubtedly belongs to the top tier of wingers in the world.
Left back: Henny Reistad, Team Esbjerg
Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRÅN
No list of this kind is complete without Henny Reistad, the best player in the world. She leads, of course, the scoring charts and has, of course, been Team Esbjerg’s best performer in an otherwise disappointing season for the team.
Playmaker: Bruna de Paula, Györi
Photo: Emma Wallskog / BILDBYRÅN
I could have placed Reistad here, but I wanted room for both the Norwegian scoring queen and the Brazilian playmaking genius. de Paula does almost everything for Györi – scoring, assisting – and is an expert at breaking down opposing defenses.
Right back: Dione Housheer, Györi
Is Housheer the best right back in the world right now? I think so. Sure, there’s still room to refine both her defensive play and sometimes her consistency, but there are very few players anywhere with her top level. Absolutely enormous potential.
Defensive unit: Györi
203 goals conceded in eight matches gives an average of around 25 per game. Seriously impressive.
MVP: Henny Reistad, Team Esbjerg
I know Esbjerg as a team have struggled in the Champions League – it’s honestly close to crisis mode after eight matches – but to me there is still no doubt that Reistad is the MVP. No player means as much to her team as the superstar does to Esbjerg.
Coach: Per Johansson, Györi
You can argue that he has the best players, but regardless, it’s hard to overlook a coach who has led Györi to two straight Champions League titles and is on track for a third. Györi haven’t lost a match so far and have a goal difference of plus 78. A dominant team and an incredibly skilled coach.
Team: Györi
Yes, there’s a bit more Hungarian presence here. Why? Best players, best coach, best handball, and the only unbeaten team.
Most improved player: Julie Scaglione, Ikast Håndbold
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN
She has long been considered one of Denmark’s most promising players – and this year Scaglione has shown in the Champions League just how good she is. Above all, how big the steps in her development have been this season. Already one of the best shooters in the world, and now also a better breakthrough player. A nightmare for any defense.
Two-way player: Emily Vogel, FTC
Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRÅN
42 goals in eight matches. Really sharp. On top of that, she is an elite defender who combines physical strength with quick feet. Overshadowed by players like Klujber, Vogel has been incredibly important for FTC this autumn.
Best signing: Johanna Bundsen, Metz
Unfortunately, goalkeeper statistics are not available on the EHF’s somewhat shaky website, but there’s no doubt Bundsen has been one of the Champions League’s best goalkeepers. And incredibly important for Metz. A smart late signing by Metz, who can thank the financially collapsed Ludwigsburg for the opportunity.
Most underrated player: Lena Grandveau, Metz
Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRÅN
I could of course have named her the best centre back of the autumn, but it was hard to move Reistad or de Paula. Am I underestimating Grandveau? Yes, obviously. Was it therefore perfect to place her here? Absolutely. She has directed Metz’s attack in an incredibly impressive way and is now one of the best centre backs in the world.
Positive surprise: Gloria Bistrita
Raise your hand if you thought Gloria Bistrița, after eight rounds, would have twelve points and sit third in their group with six wins. No one? No, I didn’t think so. But the Transylvanian team has looked incredibly impressive and might very well snatch third place ahead of Esbjerg. Wow.
Underachiever: Team Esbjerg
Esbjerg, yes. Four wins, one draw and three losses in eight matches. That’s not good enough for a team with so many top-class players. Yes, they’ve had injuries at times, but it’s still far from an acceptable autumn for Tomas Axnér’s team.