Asmita Ale has been voted by her peers as Aston Villa Women's Players' Player of the 2020/21 Season!
The English defender was part of the side that gained promotion from the FA Women's Championship last campaign, and has followed that up by receiving the prestigious award this time around.
Ale, 19, adapted seamlessly to life in the top flight of women's football, playing in 18 of 22 WSL games as Villa completed the season by recording three clean sheets in the final five games.
A tenacious style of defending helped Ale hold down a regular starting spot on the right-hand side of defence, as she recorded the most interceptions of an WSL player during the 20/21 campaign.
This level of maturity and consistency has been recognised by those at the Club, with Ale receiving the majority of votes from her teammates.
Asmita Ale recorded the most interceptions of any @BarclaysFAWSL player this season with 𝟳𝟵. 👊 pic.twitter.com/C313YpMQtQ
— Aston Villa Women (@AVWFCOfficial) May 13, 2021
Jodie Hutton was recognised by the Villa faithful as she was voted Supporters' Player of the Season for a third successvie season.
Like Ale, Hutton was tasting top-flight football for the first time during the 2020/21 campaign.
The 20-year-old embraced that challenge head-on, and played a pivotal part in securing safety on the final day of the season.
Predominantly deployed as a winger in the Championship, Hutton thrived at both left wing-back and left centre-back and exemplified the fighting spirit that would be required to maintain WSL status.
Another award that was voted for by fans was Goal of the Season, and the accolade went to Mana Iwabuchi for her game-winning thunderbolt against Tottenham Hotspur on February 6.
The spectacular long-range strike sealed all three points against the Lilywhites and contributed to securing survival in the WSL.
Another player to pick up an end-of-season award was Natalie Haigh, who was voted by the Aston Villa Foundation as their Community Player of the Season.
The final award went to Olivia McLoughlin, who was named as the Club's Academy Player of the Season.
McLoughlin, 16, enjoyed a breakout campaign in claret & blue having been promoted from the WSL Academy.
The young midfielder made her debut in January's league defeat to Manchester City and would go on to make a further seven domestic appearances during 2020/21.
Congratulations to each award winner, and a massive thank you to everyone who voted!
