It has been an incredible end to the Aston Villa Women season. Unfortunately for supporters following the side, certain players will not be returning following the expiration of their current contracts. Coming from the defenders especially, there will be a notable void to fill. Granted, there are plenty of great options remaining on the roster. In a season that often sees injuries, poor stretches of performances, and the need to make adjustments, adding talent is always a good option.
This becomes even more relevant should Natalia Arroyo elect to implement her three-center-back system. Kathy Hendrich could be a potential option for AVWFC to turn to. The 33-year-old has played with the VfL Wolfsburg Frauen since 2020. She has also played for the senior German international squad since 2014.
With over 150 caps between those two teams alone, Hendrich comes with a lot of experience. Currently available after her last contract ran out with the Frauen-Bundesliga side, a new team has not been announced as of yet.
Although Villa isn't in the Champions League competition, a potential switch to the WSL could be enticing enough for Hendrich to want to play for Arroyo. Particularly with how the season ended in B6, it would be something the defender could be open to exploring.
In terms of what she would bring aside from her experience, Hendrich offers the versatility that is needed within an Arroyo squad. She usually lines up at center-back but also plays just as comfortably on the outside.
Being able to play one of the central roles on the defense would be a tremendous asset. If needed, she would also be able to be a solid option as an outside wing-back in Arroyo's current system.
Ideal fit for Aston Villa Women at CB
Assuming Hendrich would stick at one of the CB positions, she is good in one-on-one situations and does a good job positionally. Because of her ability to play at multiple areas on the pitch, when she is forced to meet an opposing winger on the outside, she is able to deal with it and limit the attack from wide areas.
This ability to cover while using her game IQ would be something of a perfect fit at Villa. Then add her pace and work rate on recovery runs from opposing through balls, and it would be easy to see Hendrich playing alongside Anna Patten, for example.
At any rate, someone similar with an overall similar skill set, if not her, will be needed to make up for the departures leaving Villa this summer.