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Women’s World Cup: 10 (non-USWNT) players to watch

By Clemente Lisi

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 02: Brazil forward Marta (10) passes between two Japan defenders during the SheBelieves Cup match between Brazil and Japan at Nissan Stadium on March 2nd, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 02: Brazil forward Marta (10) passes between two Japan defenders during the SheBelieves Cup match between Brazil and Japan at Nissan Stadium on March 2nd, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PADERBORN, GERMANY – APRIL 09: Saki Kumagai of Japan runs with the ball during the Women’s International Friendly match between Germany and Japan at Benteler Arena on April 09, 2019 in Paderborn, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
PADERBORN, GERMANY – APRIL 09: Saki Kumagai of Japan runs with the ball during the Women’s International Friendly match between Germany and Japan at Benteler Arena on April 09, 2019 in Paderborn, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

Saki Kumagai (Japan)

The 28-year-old Japan captain remains one of the world’s best midfielders. A veteran of the 2011 team that won the World Cup on penalties against the United States, Kumagai is a technical player who employs an efficient and powerful style.

Kumagai scored the winning penalty against Hope Solo to lead Japan to the 2011 title. She also led Japan to the 2018 Asian Cup. Kumagai appears to thrive in high-pressure situations. She joined Lyon in 2013 and scored the decisive penalty kick for the French giants to help them win the 2016 Champions League. She will be competing at her third World Cup.