Homecoming of a Football Prodigy
Toni Duggan‘s return to Everton Women after an eight-year European odyssey marks one of the most sentimental transfers in recent WSL history. The 29-year-old striker, who left Merseyside in 2013 as a promising talent, comes back as a seasoned professional with medals from Manchester City, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid weighing down her suitcase.
In an exclusive interview with Krikya, Duggan revealed: “Putting on the blue shirt again feels like rewinding time. This is where I learned to dream big – now I’m here to make those dreams reality for the next generation.” Her emotional connection with the club runs deeper than most; she was part of Everton’s last Champions League campaign in 2013 before their European hiatus.
Tactical Impact and European Ambitions
Revitalizing Everton’s Attack
Duggan‘s versatility offers manager Willie Kirk multiple options:
- Clinical finishing: 68 career club goals across top leagues
- Creative playmaking: 12 assists in her final Atletico season
- Big-game mentality: Scored in 3 different domestic cup finals
“Toni isn’t just a goalscorer,” Kirk told Krikya. “Her experience in Spain’s tactical systems gives us new dimensions in buildup play.”
The Champions League Mission
Everton’s current 5th-place WSL standing (2023/24 season) shows progress, but Duggan‘s arrival targets higher:
| Season | Everton’s WSL Finish | Top 3? |
|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 6th | ❌ |
| 2022/23 | 5th | ❌ |
| 2023/24* | 5th (ongoing) | 🔄 |
“The gap to Arsenal/Chelsea isn’t about talent – it’s consistency,” Duggan analyzed. “At Barça, I learned how daily intensity translates to weekend results.”
Historical Context: Everton’s Women’s Football Legacy
Duggan‘s first stint (2007-2013) coincided with Everton’s golden era:
- 2009/10 FA Cup winners (1-0 vs Arsenal)
- 2010 Champions League quarterfinalists
- 3x League Cup finalists
Former teammate Fara Williams remarked to Krikya: “Toni played with fearless creativity back then. Now she returns with elite experience – that’s priceless for young players like Hanna Bennison.”
What This Means for WSL’s Competitive Landscape
The signing signals Everton’s ambition to disrupt the “Big Three” (Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City). With Duggan joining international stars like Martina Piemonte, their attack now boasts:
- Experience: Duggan’s 50+ Champions League appearances
- Youth: 19-year-old Katja Snoeijs’ emerging potential
- Versatility: Ability to switch between 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 systems
Conclusion: A Storybook Ending in the Making?
Toni Duggan’s Everton return isn’t just nostalgia – it’s a statement. As Krikya can reveal, her contract includes performance bonuses tied to Champions League qualification, showing mutual belief in this project.
Will the prodigal daughter lead Everton back to Europe’s elite? One thing’s certain: with Duggan’s winning mentality and Kirk’s tactical acumen, Goodison Park is about to witness its most exciting women’s football season in a decade.
“Some journeys take you away to bring you back stronger,” Duggan concluded. “This time, I’m here to stay – and to win.”
What do you think about Duggan’s return? Can Everton break into the WSL top three? Share your thoughts below!
