Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has had to bide her time at Women's Super League champions Chelsea.

Signed from Aston Villa last summer, the 23-year-old was behind Zecira Musovic and Ann-Katrin Berger at the start of the season.

But she has taken her opportunity to impress in recent weeks — forcing her way into the Chelsea starting XI and returning to the England fold.

Ahead of the Blues' WSL clash with Leicester, we take a closer look at Hampton's recent form.

Instant impact

Hampton has made five WSL appearances since her league debut back in December.

The Blues have conceded just two goals in those games and kept three clean sheets.

With Emma Hayes' side going for a fifth successive title, Hampton has looked an assured presence between the sticks.

Most impressively, her save percentage (84.6%) before this weekend was second only to Manchester City stopper Khiara Keating (85.4%).

The 23-year-old had also conceded the fewest goals per 90 minutes (0.4) of any keeper in the division.

Though from a relatively small sample size, the numbers bode well for Hampton.

Berger, by comparison, also played five WSL games before dropping out of the team and conceded at a rate of 1.6 goals per 90 with a save percentage of 68.2%.

Hampton, so far, has proved herself a worthy No1.

England opportunity

A run of starts for Chelsea has resulted in a return to the England squad for Hampton.

In what has been an excellent beginning to 2024 after a difficult end to 2023, the former Villa keeper earned her third cap for the Lionesses in the 7-2 friendly win over Austria.

England boss Sarina Wiegman said: "She [Hampton] needed to sort out some personal issues. 

"She has done that, shown great performances and consistency at her club. I thought this was the moment to bring her in."

Becoming England's No1 and replacing the brilliant Mary Earps is an unenviable challenge — and Hampton may be restricted to sporadic appearances on the international stage for now.

But she can only benefit from being part of the squad as she looks to continue her encouraging development.

Sky's the limit

Hampton could have been forgiven for feeling doubtful earlier in the season.

Given Chelsea's array of top-quality keepers, there was no guarantee that she would play regularly.

With Musovic and Berger waiting in the wings, there is no room for a drop in performance level.

But Hayes clearly has big expectations for the Birmingham native.

Back in June, the Chelsea boss said: "There is no doubt that Hannah is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. 

"Her performances have been improving year on year and we have high hopes for her future with us."

Slowly, Hampton is beginning to fulfil her huge potential.