The prize, founded two years ago by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, is awarded to the best under-21 female footballer playing in a European league.

Kaptein has a strong claim to that title after a fantastic year. The midfielder was a key component of FC Twente’s Dutch title victory after returning to her childhood club on loan from the Blues.

Since becoming a fully-fledged member of the Chelsea squad, Kaptein, who only turned 19 in August, has impressed. Head coach Sonia Bompastor has already entrusted her with plenty of playing time in our midfield. She has featured in five of our six games to date, all ending in victories, and created two goals.

At last summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Kaptein became the youngest female Dutch player to feature at the showpiece tournament. She will be looking to add to her 11 caps during the upcoming international window.

Real Madrid's Linda Caciedo and Wolfsburg's Jule Brand are the only previous Golden Girl winners, with this year’s victor being announced next month.

The Golden Girl shortlist in full: Giulia Dragoni (Roma), Freya Godfrey (Arsenal), Ana Guzman (Bayern Munich), Amelie Joseph (PSG), Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea), Vicky Lopez (Barcelona), Eva Schatzer (Juventus), Sydney Joy Schertenleib (Barcelona), Lily Yohannes (Ajax), Zara Kramzar (Roma)