Veerle Buurman Named English Women's Super League Talent of the Year

Veerle Buurman, a 20‑year‑old Dutch defender, has been voted talent of the year in the English competition. She played a key role as Chelsea finished third in the Women's Super League last season.

Buurman made 13 league appearances, contributing to Chelsea's qualification for the Champions League. In March she also helped the club secure the League Cup trophy.

The defender debuted for Chelsea in September 2025 after spending the previous contract year on loan at PSV. Her first appearance marked a successful start to her senior English career.

Buurman earned her first cap for the Netherlands in October 2024 at the age of 18 and has since accumulated 16 appearances. In April she formed a youthful central defensive partnership with fellow international Renee van Asten against France.

Other Dutch internationals received accolades as well. Vivienne Miedema and Kerstin Casparij, both champions with Manchester City, were selected for the team of the year.

The player of the year award went to City striker Khadija Shaw, who topped the league with 21 goals and helped secure the title. Miedema, often deployed as an attacking midfielder or shadow striker, contributed ten goals.

Buurman's rapid rise suggests she will remain a pivotal figure for both Chelsea and the Dutch national side in the coming season.