As Sam Kerr etched her name in history, the Australian superstar’s head coach lavished praise on the English PFA 2022 Players’ Player of the Year winner.
Kerr became the first ever Australian, male or female, to claim the PFA honour following her sensational form for three-time reigning Women’s Super League champions Chelsea.
The Matildas captain led Chelsea to WSL glory in 2021-22, with back-to-back Golden Boots and the winning goals on the final day of a nail-biting season.
Kerr, who has also taken home the WSL Player of the Year and the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year, is the first Aussie woman to win an award after Harry Kewell’s 2000 PFA Young Player of the Year gong.
Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes spoke glowingly of A-Leagues legend Kerr after the history-making achievement.
“She’s got it, she’s got the x-factor. She’s got the ability in the biggest moments to deliver in the biggest moments,” Hayes said.
“People can say well that’s what you bring her here for. That’s right but not everybody is able to fulfill everything you hope for with them.
“With Sam, I always feel like there’s another level with her because of her attitude, approach to her play, her play hard mentality.
“I’m not surprised she’s picking up the award this year.”
It’s the latest accolade for Kerr after another magical season with Chelsea in England.
Kerr found the back of the net a WSL-high 20 times in 2021-22, having scored a league-best 21 goals the season prior.
Kerr finished the season with 29 goals across all competitions as Chelsea also claimed the Women’s FA Cup – the former Perth Glory and Sydney FC striker the hero after scoring twice in the extra-time triumph over Manchester City.
She also received Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Women’s Footballer of the Year.
“What I have seen since she came to England is a real drive to become a top, top player,” Hayes added.
“I think that’s been vindicated in the performances.”
