Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, at 18-years-old, has already played with and against some of the world’s stand-out players. The Hammers youngster picks her best XI…
GK: Melissa Barbieri
Melissa is the best goalkeeper I’ve played with in my career so far. She’s a fantastic leader and she is brilliant with both her feet and her hands as well. She was the first woman to play in the semi-professional men's league in Australia and is now also working as the assistant coach of Melbourne City.
RB: Steph Catley
Steph is a very technical full-back. I worked with her during the Australian camps I’ve been on and she is a lovely person as well. She has been a regular for the national team for years and is one of the best right-backs in the world.
CB: Alanna Kennedy
I have to say Alanna. She’s an Australian international and she’s really good. She is really strong and also really fast. An all-round solid defender and a proven winner for club and country.
CB: Gilly Flaherty
Gilly is a fantastic leader and her passing is exceptional. I train against Gilly every day and I always find it tough to get past her. She is so good and a brilliant captain as well.
LB: Demi Stokes
Full-back is one of the hardest positions on the pitch but I think Demi Stokes has it all. She’s pacey, she’s strong, she’s a solid player and I really like the way she plays as well.
CM: Julia Simic
I’m going a full West Ham midfield in this team, starting with Julia Simic. Julia is such a baller and it's been a pleasure playing alongside her since she came back from injury.
CM: Tessel Middag
Tessel is really composed on the ball. She never panics and is really good in possession. She’s technical too and a real talent in our team. I really enjoy playing alongside Tessel.
CM: Kenza Dali
Obviously, I’ve only joined up with Kenza this season, but she is a really technical midfielder and her passing is great. She has an awesome touch as well. She would be my No10 in this team.
RW: Sam Kerr
Sam is one of the best players in the world at the moment. I’ve trained with her in the Australia camps and she has always been really helpful as well. Training and working with her was such an amazing experience.
LW: Fran Kirby
We’ve played Chelsea a couple of times now and Fran is so quick! She is blessed with a lot of pace and she has a powerful shot as well. I think Fran has everything a forward needs to have to be one of the best players.
ST: Marta
Marta is my all-time favourite female football player. She is absolutely amazing, and I aspire to be like her. I hope one day I can be on that level as well! She's a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year and she's the all-time top goalscorer in Women's World Cups. She's the perfect role model for a young striker.
