Marie Höbinger could be one of the most important players in Liverpool’s attempt to climb the WSL table this season. The Austrian midfielder has quickly become one of the first names on the team sheet since joining from FC Zurich in 2023. She has made 39 appearances for the Reds, scoring seven goals and providing five assists, while starting 18 of Liverpool’s 22 WSL matches during the 2024/25 season.
Her importance goes beyond numbers. Höbinger gives Liverpool creativity from midfield, quality from set pieces and the ability to produce something when games become difficult. Her debut season on Merseyside was particularly impressive. Höbinger played a major role in Liverpool’s top-four finish, scoring five goals and becoming the first player in WSL history to register a hat-trick of assists, all from corners, during the dramatic 4-3 victory over Chelsea at Prenton Park. She quickly established herself as a key player in Matt Beard’s side.
The following campaign was quieter for Höbinger individually, but she remained one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers. While her numbers did not reach the same level as her debut season, her importance to the midfield remained clear.
Liverpool missed her last season:
Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign was made even more difficult by Höbinger’s absence. The midfielder suffered an ACL injury against Manchester City at the beginning of the season, leaving her sidelined for around 10 months. For a player who had become such an important part of Liverpool’s midfield, losing her was a major blow. Her absence was not the only reason Liverpool struggled, but it removed one of their most creative outlets.
Now, Liverpool finally have her back. Höbinger made her return during pre-season against Leicester City, playing the first 45 minutes and scoring in a 2-0 victory. The goal was an emotional moment after such a long road back. She also featured in Liverpool’s 2-1 friendly victory over Manchester United, another encouraging step in her return.
For Höbinger herself, simply being back on the pitch has been significant after such a long rehabilitation.
“It feels really good to play again but also be around the team again and feel like a normal football player.”
Almost like a new signing:
For Liverpool, Höbinger’s return could feel like having a new player without having to sign one. The Reds have strengthened Gareth Taylor’s squad and now have greater depth, but Höbinger offers something different. Her ability to find space, create chances and deliver dangerous set pieces can give Liverpool another dimension.
She is also returning with a much stronger understanding of the club and the league. When she signed a new contract in January 2025, Hobinger spoke about how comfortable she had become at Liverpool and how the environment had helped her develop.
That connection could be important as she makes her return from such a serious injury.
A history of decisive moments:
Höbinger has already shown that she can make the difference in important games. In 2024, she scored a 95th-minute penalty against Tottenham Hotspur to complete Liverpool’s comeback and secure a dramatic 3-2 victory at Brisbane Road.
With Tottenham now among the sides Liverpool will be looking to compete with as they push back towards the European places, having players capable of producing decisive moments could prove crucial.
A key player in Liverpool’s rebuild:
Liverpool finished 11th last season, a huge drop from the fourth-place finish achieved with Höbinger playing such an important role. That makes her return even more significant.
Taylor needs his new-look squad to settle quickly, but having one of the team’s most trusted players available again gives Liverpool a major boost. Höbinger does not have to carry the team by herself, but she could become the link between Liverpool’s midfield and attack.
If she can remain fit and return to her best level, Liverpool have a much better chance of climbing back towards the European places. Her return is more than a positive story after injury. Höbinger could be one of the biggest factors in determining whether Liverpool can turn last season’s disappointment into a serious push back up the WSL table.
