Prolific Terland taking Brighton to next level in WSL

Elisabeth Terland is showing no signs of slowing down.

The Brighton striker continued her prolific run of form last weekend, scoring twice — including a 95th-minute winner — in a 3-2 win over Bristol City.

That took her tally for the Women's Super League season to nine goals in 11 appearances, with only household names Lauren James (10) and Khadija Shaw (12) ahead in the scoring charts.

As the Seagulls prepare to face league leaders Chelsea, we take a closer look at Terland's excellent campaign so far.

Brighton's best

Not only is Terland proving herself as one of the top flight's most lethal strikers, she is also breaking records.

The 22-year-old became Brighton's all-time leading WSL scorer with her brace against Bristol City, overtaking Aileen Whelan (15 goals).

It is an impressive achievement for such a young player, especially having only joined the club in August 2022.

The former Brann forward did well in her first season — scoring seven goals in 17 games — but she has hit new heights this term.

Scoring at a rate of 0.98 goals per 90 and far surpassing her xG of 4.7, it is no surprise that Brighton have come to rely on her to influence matches.

Despite Terland's potency, the Seagulls are among the WSL's lowest scorers, with just 13 strikes from their 11 games.

That means Brighton's star striker has netted 69.23% of her side's goals in 2023-24 — another eye-catching statistic and a further indication of her importance in a team that only narrowly avoided relegation last year.

Mentality monster

Relegation is less of a concern this season, particularly after Terland's late winner last time out moved Brighton six points clear of their opponents, who sit bottom.

Manager Melissa Phillips was understandably delighted with the Norway international.

The Brighton boss said: "Her impact on the team is immeasurable.

"She's a fantastic professional, she is the hardest working and most competitive player in the squad but she's also the most humble.

"The key is her mindset. She is consistently searching for incremental gains in her game.

"She is not shy about taking opportunities and it's great to see her impact on the pitch and in training sessions and the way she conducts herself as a professional."

All of that bodes well for a player who still has plenty of time to develop her game and become an even more efficient attacker.

Bright future

Terland's consistency in front of goal will not have gone unnoticed by England's biggest clubs.

If she keeps scoring at her current rate, Brighton may find themselves battling to keep hold of their star striker.

For now, though, Terland's focus is on success on the South Coast.

In a recent interview with BBC Sport, she said: "I always want to improve so the goals I have scored — they have gone now and I don't think about them any more.

"I think about the next game, the next training session and what I will do in those moments.

"Of course, I want to continue to help the team win football matches. Scoring goals is a part of that."

Hitting the target again in Brighton's clash with champions Chelsea would solidify Terland's status as one of the WSL's top players.