Becoming an elite small-sided baller commands a different set of skills to the professional game, but that doesn’t mean the best 11-a-side footballers in the world aren’t blessed with the skills and tenacity to mix it in the concrete pitches or cages of football-obsessed cities.

Fast feet. Rapid speed. Clinical finishing. Dominating the five-a-side game requires a player to make maximum impact with minimum time and space. As the Barclays Women’s Super League evolves to welcome more players from all over the world – increasing intensity and quality in the process – the league is packed with more technically gifted players than ever before.

At the very highest level of the pro game, a new generation of talented ballers who first cut their teeth finessing the small-sided game are taking over.

As EA SPORTS FC 25 introduces its new game mode ‘Rush’ for the first time, giving BWSL players more visibility in a small-sided environment, VERSUS is working with some of the biggest players from all 12 BWSL clubs in ‘Barclays WSL Behind The Baller Series 3’, looking at the way small-sided football has contributed to their development. We asked some of them to build their ultimate 5-a-side team from their best teammates and rivals.

Small-sided football provides the ultimate ‘Rush’ – everyone should experience it.

Melissa Lawley, Everton:

“My goalkeeper would be Courtney Brosnan, she’s a good shot stopper and is really great with the ball at her feet. In my defence, I’d have Millie Bright – because no one can ever get past her and I hate playing against her – and Lucy Bronze, who’s an amazing defender but has loads to offer in attack. I’d put Marie Höbinger in midfield, she’s extremely technical and plays very precise passes. Lauren James would be my striker, she’s an absolute one-off who balls with flair and makes everything look so simple.”

Ebony Salmon, Aston Villa FC:

“I’d have Hannah Hampton in goal. She’s an amazing shot stopper but her ability with the ball means it would be like having an extra outfield player. My first defender would be Alex Greenwood, she’s so competitive and wouldn’t let us lose. I’d have Emily Fox next, I played with her in the United States and she’s a really technical defender. My midfielder would definitely be Keira Walsh, she’s world class and finds the right forward pass every time. I’d have to put myself up front! Receiving passes from Keira and creating chances myself with dribbles, I think we’d be a great side.”

Take to the pitch with Barclays Women’s Super League players on ‘Rush’ in EA SPORTS FC 25 now.

Mia Fishel, Chelsea:

“I’d have to say Zećira Mušović in goal, I love her communication and she has such quick reflexes. I’d definitely choose Millie Bright because she always delivers in the biggest moments, and my other defender would be Emily Fox, who’s my teammate from the US national team. She’s very skilled and can get up and down the pitch to support midfield. Erin Cuthbert would be my midfielder – she’s very calm on the ball, very skilled, and has great vision. I have to back myself as a striker and I think I’d deliver a lot of goals in that team.”

Lenna Gunning-Williams, Tottenham Hotspur FC:

“I’d start with Eleanor Heeps in goal because not only is she my bestie, but she’s also an amazing shot stopper. I’d pick Alex Greenwood at the back because I think she’s one of the best defenders in the world. She’s aggressive in the tackle and isn’t afraid to get forward with the ball. I’d have Yui Hasegawa in midfield because her feet are unbelievable and she’d be so good at getting out of tight spaces. I’d definitely have Guro Reiten because you also want goals coming from your midfield in 5-a-side, and then I’d have Bethany England up top because she’s been one of the best strikers around for a long time now.”