The golden generation of the USWNT is coming to an end. Megan Rapinoe announced her retirement at the end of this season as she plays her final match on Sunday. The USWNT faces South Africa as the team looks to have a grand send-off for their superstar this Sunday. On and off the field, she completely resonated with the soccer legends of every country. Not to mention, her purple hairstyle influenced the urban culture. 

Nonetheless, as she moves away from the national team, they lose a player with unparalleled technical prowess, along with an enigmatic personality in the locker room. While many soccer clubs scrutinize players with statistics, Rapinoe gives a distinguishable dimension to the setup. Having the intangibles to lead the team from the front makes her unique. When one looks at the current USWNT squad, there is one determined individual fit for the role!

Trinity Rodman- Heir to Megan Rapinoe’s throne?

Apart from her father being the NBA legend Dennis Rodman, Trinity earns the highest contract in the NWSL with a $1.1 million contract for four years. Rapinoe earns a lot through her off-field earnings of up to $6.3 million in income. The two women are vocal and outspoken as Rodman looks to lead the line for the USWNT. She plays for the Washington Spirit and is one of the crucial players in the squad. Now 21, Rodman took the USWNT by storm, making her debut in 2022 against the Czech Republic.

The star announced her arrival on the grand stage, displaying a gritty performance. She plays on the right wing and delivers sensational crosses into the box. One can probably say she possesses the skills of a defensive winger, affecting both areas of the pitch. When one compares these two, there are chances that Rodman can be a potential world-class winger. 

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Despite being young and having time on her side to develop, Rodman can take the game off the opposition in a flash. Despite being young, she leads the team from the front when she comes on. Having the ability to ghost past the defenders, Rodman is a force to be reckoned with. If one looks at the statistics, Trinity can be a similar player to Rapinoe with little tweaks in her game. When Rapinoe scores goals and creates assists, Trinity gets back to defend and dribbles the ball efficiently, creating spaces for her teammates. 

Why is Trinity perfect to replace Megan Rapinoe?

When you’re a right-footed right-winger, mostly they go to the byline and cross the ball into the box. Being direct is critical, and taking on defenders is the vital aspect of a speedy winger. But if you switch to the left, the right-footed left winger can cut inside, impacting the final thirds of the pitch. They can shoot or cross the ball and find a way to unlock the defense with their preferred foot. There are no limitations for a player when they play in that position.

With Rodman on the right wing, shifting her to the left can reap rewards. Unless you are able with your left foot, the right winger role means you go forward directly. A single-dimensional player, some might say!

Right now, her xAG stays at 0.50, which proves goals and assists are not her cup of tea. But some wingers create space by using their dribbling ability to maneuver attacks for the team. It is where she excels. Boasting a 4.66 progressive carries, Trinity dribbles past her opponents at ease, forcing players to step out of their positions. It helps the attackers to free themselves, and if she manages to find a pass, they can score. 

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During the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Rapinoe had 3.18 progressive carries. While comparing the defensive side of the two players, Trinity tackles 1.61 per 90, while Rapinoe averages 0.85. But in terms of goals and assists, she had a better record. Megan scored six goals and created two assists during the 2019 World Cup. If Rodman polishes her boots, she can be a complete winger for the USWNT.

Thus, she could probably be the player to replace Megan Rapinoe in the starting line-up. A slight tactical change to the left wing could do wonders for this wunderkind. Do you think it should happen?