So when Chelsea stopper Hannah Hampton singled out centre-back Veerle Buurman at Monday night’s Women’s Super League awards, it was high praise for a 20-year-old who has only broken into the team this season.

Buurman won the league’s Rising Star Award on the night, and Hampton explained exactly why she has had such a stellar season in the backline.

‘She's such an exciting young player,’ said Hampton. ‘I mean - what a year. She's so humble. She's the sweetest person, the kindest soul. And she’s been an absolute rock at the back. She's probably been our most consistent defender throughout the season.’

The Dutch international signed for Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, but was immediately loaned back to her hometown club to gain valuable experience.

The defender then arrived in London full-time last summer to fight for a spot in the first team, and she did just that, as she made 23 appearances in all competitions and garnered plenty of attention for her performances.

‘From the beginning of the season, when she was sitting on the sidelines trying to prove herself, to making her claim in the squad, she was probably the first name on the team sheet towards the end of the season,’ Hampton continued.

‘She is always a person that you can rely on, and she's unbelievable. Everyone at the club is so happy for the success that she has with what a human being and the kind of person she is.’