For years, Alyssa Thompson has been touted as a talent who has the potential to become an NWSL and USWNT great in the future. Her USP? The lightning speed which has become a cornerstone of Thompson’s play. “She dominates in 1-v-1, and she’s a very explosive player,” said Freya Coombe, Angel City’s former head coach, about the then-18-year-old’s blinding pace. And it looks like the new Chelsea signing also believes that her speed advantage could make her a force to be reckoned with in the UK.

Thompson made her WSL debut for The Blues last month against Aston Villa. Coming in on the break, the USWNT star had all eyes on her, thanks to the record signing fee the London club offered Thompson. While she didn’t get her name on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory at Villa Park that day, Alyssa’s incredible speed still shone through just along the sideline on occasions. Now, 5 WSL matches later, the American has grown more confident in her skills.

Sky Sports WSL took to X on October 12 to share Alyssa Tompson’s thoughts after Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday. The 20-year-old kept testing Lize Kop, Tottenham’s goalie, in both halves of the match, but still couldn’t find the back of the net. However, the match gave her an idea about where she stands when it comes to fairing against her peers.

On being asked who Thompson believes can keep up with her in a footrace, she said with a grin, “I don’t know. I bet on myself a lot of the time. I think I’m pretty fast, so I don’t know.“

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