Guro Reiten: A closer look at the Norwegian Superstar
In recent years, Guro Reiten has emerged as one of the top midfielders in the women’s game. The Norwegian international plays her club football with Chelsea FC and is a key component of Sonia Bompastor’s winning mentality.
Known for her creativity and forward vision on the pitch, Reiten steps up when it matters most. If the team need to score a spot kick in the dying minutes of the game, her determined character makes her the perfect choice. She is certainly an asset to both her club and country.
Arguably Reiten has been one of Chelsea’s greatest signings in recent years. Joining the Blues from LSK Kvinner in 2019, the midfielder has played a major role in Chelsea's success ever since.
Success with Chelsea
In her first season with the Blues (2019/20), Reiten was nominated for the Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Year award: she scored seven goals in just twenty-three appearances. That season, Chelsea secured the WSL trophy. However, this was decided by points per game due to the pandemic.
The following season, Reiten’s minutes on the pitch became less frequent in the WSL. Consequently, she scored only once in nineteen appearances. On the other hand, she had an incredible Continental Cup run, getting her first goal in a major final for the Blues, contributing to another trophy lift.
However, the Norwegian soon returned to her impressive form. In her third season, she was selected for the PFA team of the year and showed much more determination. Critical goals were credited to her name. One being her goal against Manchester United on the final day of the season; this secured them the WSL trophy.
In the 2022/23 season, Reiten played a part in Chelsea’s memorable UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign. Two unforgettable moments being her goals away at both Lyon, and eventual champions Barcelona. Chelsea also secured the WSL and FA Cup double. Their dominance in midfield was enhanced by Reiten, sending vital balls forward and holding up the ball with strength and determination. The number eleven also received many personal accolades: the 2022 Norwegian FA Women's Player of the Year, the PFA WSL team of the year, and she even finished nineteenth in the 2023 Ballon d'Or. These achievements set her apart from her competitiors, proving she is a force to be reckoned with on the ball.
Unfortunately, Reiten suffered an injury that led to a spell on the sidelines in her fifth season. On the back of such a successful year, this was a challenging period for the Norwegian. However, she showed perseverance to end her season on a high, reaching nine goals in all competitions.
The most recent season was one of great change for England’s most successful women’s team. Bompastor was appointed as the new head coach, in place of Emma Hayes. Hayes welcomed Reiten to London and is credited for developing the young talent into the footballer she is today. Thus, this change in dynamic could have proved difficult. But this challenge was soon overcome: Reiten was named WSL Player of the Month in November, with an incredible run of scoring in every match that month. This form only improved. Reiten ended the season as the second-highest scorer for the blues with twelve goals, securing her status as a player to watch in Blue.
Norwegian Domination
Reiten’s prowess in midfield is not only recognised on a club level, but also on the international stage. She represented Norway at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, playing every minute in their journey to the last sixteen. Her performances against Finland and Switzerland deserve an honourable mention, as she shone through with her close ball control and impeccable passing.
Therefore, Reiten is definitely one to watch in the knock-out stages of the UEFA Women’s EURO. Her grit and determination are unmatched, and she always puts in one hundred percent. Norway sealed their place in the quarterfinals with victories over Iceland, Finland and Switzerland, to finish top of Group A.
Facing Italy in the final eight on Wednesday 16th July, fans are hoping to see the midfield maestro on the top of her game. If she continues her positive form and upholds her passion in a Norwegian shirt, her nation has a good chance of progression to the semi-finals of the major tournament.