Alyssa Thompson admits she entered her record move from Angel City to Chelsea with low expectations, fearing she wouldn't play after joining the dominant WSL champions. The 20-year-old USA forward became Chelsea's most expensive ever signing last year, leaving her hometown club and comfort zone. She was uncertain about adapting, thinking she might not score for four months and questioning her place in a stacked squad.

Those fears vanished quickly. After two substitute appearances, Thompson started her first WSL game in September and scored her first goal in the Champions League against PSG the next month. She is now Chelsea's top WSL scorer this season, with a run of five goals in seven league games. She credits support from US teammates like Catarina Macario and Natalie Girma, who try to import a more enthusiastic US culture into the dressing room.

Despite her personal success, Chelsea's team results have faltered. The champions sit nine points behind Manchester City in the WSL with six games left, threatening their first title miss since 2019. This puts extra weight on Sunday's Subway Cup final against Manchester United. Thompson states winning any trophy is crucial for squad confidence, emphasizing that Chelsea's identity is synonymous with winning silverware.