France Football revealed the Ballon d’Or nominations on August 12th, and the name of the 2021 winner, Alexia Putellas, had to be on the final shortlist. Alexia received the worst possible news the day before the UEFA Women’s Euro began when she was hurt during training. The 2021 FIFA Best Player had torn her Anterior Cruciate Ligament, forcing her to miss a competition she had been looking forward to. However, while she was a big miss for the tournament, her performance throughout the season is a big reason she is likely to win another Ballon d’Or. Alexia is also nominated for UEFA Player of the Year 2021/22, with the winner to be announced on August 25th. Named ‘La Reina’ affectionately by the fans, Alexia Putellas is well on her way to retaining her crown.
Performance in 2021/22
People who have followed FC Barcelona and Spain know that midfield is a crucial part of their game strategy. Alexia not only leads the Catalan club but is also one of the captains of the Spanish National Team. Talking about performances, Alexia has gone on to achieve some astounding numbers this season.
The Ballon d’Or winner has scored a total of 34 goals and 20 assists in 43 games domestically. These numbers include the Primera Division, Champions League, Copa de la Reina and Supercopa. While Alexia did not get to play at the Euros due to injury, she has still performed incredibly well on the international platform. She played 12 international games in 2021/22 and scored eight goals while providing three assists. When rounded, it brings 42 goals and 23 assists in 2021/22.
The numbers from this season surpass Alexia’s numbers from her Ballon d’Or winning season, scoring an overall 25 goals and 17 assists in 2020/21. Alexia Putellas has not only crushed some incredible numbers but improved her performance compared to the last season. Alexia has been decisive in many of Barcelona’s league matches, especially the ones during the end of the season. Her decision-making skills and leadership have been critical for the team to go unbeaten in all 30 games of the Spanish League. Also, while Barcelona were the runners-up in the UEFA Women’s Champions League this season, Alexia’s goal before half-time at Turin kept the Catalan club still in the game. She also won the Supercopa de Espana and Copa de la Reina with the club.
ALEXIA PUTELLAS GIVES @FCBFEMENI HOPE! 🍿
She is now the top scorer in the #UWCL this season. 🎯
Watch the @UWCL Final live 👇
🇬🇧 🎙 👉 https://t.co/JBKFKDjnnI
🇪🇸 🎙 👉 https://t.co/mCHiZrlDBV
🇫🇷 🎙 👉 https://t.co/tHncncobhD pic.twitter.com/XATSkA4mLh— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) May 21, 2022
Internationally, Alexia has been just as important for the Spanish National Team. Alexia was the first player to reach 100 international caps for her country. She also won the Golden Boot at the Arnold Clark Cup in February after being one of the two goalscorers for Spain in the tournament. She has also had an important contribution to Spain qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.
Why Should Alexia Putellas Win?
2022 in many ways, has been a complicated year with injuries, forcing many players to withdraw from the summer tournament. But why should Alexia Putellas win the Ballon d’Or? With many good nominations, including her fellow Barcelona teammates, Aitana Bonmati, Asisat Oshoala, Fridolina Rolfo and Lucy Bronze, what sets Alexia apart? Simply put, her performances, even without playing at the European Championship, are simply astonishing. To achieve these numbers as a midfielder and improve those previously outstanding numbers, show the player Alexia Putellas is.
More than just numbers, the skill with which Alexia plays is mesmerising. She is a player who makes complex techniques look so easy. And a perfect combination of attacking power and defense. Everyone knows that Alexia’s presence on the pitch is significant, whether club or country. As the Barca players said in the ‘Matchday: Queens of the Pitch’ documentary, “Alexia is an essential player for the group. She is the engine of the team, the point of reference. And the one who dictates the rhythm of play. Understands everything and directs the team.”
Her dedication to her training routine and the sport has allowed her and the team to succeed domestically and internationally. She was UWCL’s Player of the Season and the Top Goalscorer of the UWCL 21/22. The levels to which Barcelona have risen and continues to rise, a massive part of that is Alexia Putellas. She continues to improve her numbers. She leads this Barca team as they twice achieved two attendance records at a time when women’s football continues to reach new heights. Alexia has been a reference for countless kids who dream of playing professional football one day.
Also nominated for the UEFA Player of the Year once again, only goes on to show how incredible Alexia’s performance has been this season.
Alexia may be injured, but she is working hard to make her comeback on the pitch. And, of course, once she does, she will continue doing what she does best. And it is to play exceptional football.
Why should Alexia Putellas win again? Because she deserves to win it.
Written by Unnati Naidu
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