USWNT vs. Spain 5 standouts: Crystal Dunn is an excellent left back

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REIMS, FRANCE – JUNE 24: (L-R) Carli Lloyd of USA Women, Marta Corredera of Spain Women during the World Cup Women match between Spain v USA at the Stade Auguste-Delaune on June 24, 2019 in Reims France (Photo by Geert van Erven/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Spain RB Marta Corredera

While Megan Rapinoe grabbed two goals via penalties, she was largely held in check thanks to the incredible work done by Marta Corredera. Arguably the best player on the pitch in this game, Corredera showed why she’s been a standout at top clubs like Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Levante. Her physical battles with Rapinoe in this game were wildly entertaining, catching the attention of Juventus star and FOX Soccer panelist Eniola Aluko.

Corredera was at the heart of a tenacious Spain defense that harried the USWNT’s wingers relentlessly. Rapinoe is one of the best players in the world, but Corredera showed that she’s equally deserving of that kind of effusive praise with her lockdown defending against one of the world’s most crafty wingers.

Nothing was better than watching them exchange jerseys after a grueling battle on the wings.

United States CM Rose Lavelle

The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NWSL Draft, Rose Lavelle immediately made an impact for the Boston Breakers and left fans in awe with her ability to strike from long-range. Lavelle has been an important playmaker for the USWNT in the past two games, finding killer passes in the final third for a team that sometimes lacks that decisive pass against top competition.

Lavelle didn’t grab an assist in this game, but she came close and also had a dangerous longshot in the second half. More importantly, Lavelle won the winning penalty for Rapinoe to convert, closing out another strong display full of running.

While Lavelle is a liability in defense and can’t control the game in the center of the park, that’s why the USWNT has Sam Mewis, Lindsey Horan, and Julie Ertz. Lavelle can be a critical playmaker in the final third with her technical quality, shooting range, smart dribbling, and eye for that killer pass. She’ll play an even more critical role against France, assuming Jill Ellis continues to start her playmaking center midfielder.