'Ambitious' Walsh ready to 'improve' at Chelsea

Walsh was part of the England team that won the Euros in 2022

England midfielder Keira Walsh says she still has "a lot to improve on" after making her first Chelsea appearance since joining from Barcelona.

The 27-year-old came on as a substitute in the 78th minute as the Blues claimed a 1-0 Women's Super League win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Walsh helped Barca win back-to-back Champions League trophies after joining from Manchester City in 2022, as well as winning Liga F in both her seasons in Spain.

"I'm still only 27 and I feel like I've got a lot to improve on," she said.

Along with the arrival of American defender Naomi Girma for a world record fee, it is hoped Walsh will be able to help Sonia Bompastor's Chelsea lift the Champions League, the one trophy that has eluded them.

"I think she [Bompastor] can still make me improve as a player," added Walsh.

"When I spoke to her I felt that she could do that and she gave me the confidence, just being a part of this team and being with those players. Seeing the game today, it's why I joined."

Walsh left Manchester City for Barcelona for a then-world-record fee of £400,000, but was keen to return to England to be close to family.

The WSL transfer deadline was on Thursday but the deal was only announced on Friday.

"I'm very happy to be back in England. It's such a competitive league, I think you could see it today," said Walsh.

"What brought me to Chelsea is they always find a way to win. I'm ambitious, I want to win trophies, and I think the club matches my ambition."

Chelsea sit 10 points clear at the top of the WSL and are going for a record-extending sixth WSL title - and Walsh believes those achievements can be replicated in Europe.

"I think it's the grit...they've got world-class players and can control games," she added.

"Not many teams have what they've got, they always find a way to win, no matter how the goals come, how the goals look, they always score.

"I think that's the exciting thing for me because we've got so many levels to go. Hopefully I can win the Champions League with an English team."