An Ruiyao

An Ruiyao is an influential presence in the heart of Shandong SL's defense in the Chinese Women's Super League (CWSL). At 26 years of age, the Chinese national has already demonstrated her capacity to control the game from the backline as a central defender (CB). Known for her exceptional ball-playing ability, Ruiyao excels at initiating attacks from the defense, which is a crucial asset in modern football.

In the current season, An Ruiyao has played a total of 401 minutes across four games, solidifying her position as a mainstay in the lineup. While she has not registered any goals or assists, her contributions extend beyond traditional statistics. As a Ball Playing CB, her progressive carrying distance averages 134.99 meters per game, indicating her willingness and ability to move the ball forward and transition effectively between defense and attack. She also boasts an impressive progressive passing distance of 344.04 meters per game, a testament to her vision and passing accuracy which ranks her second in the league's playmaker standings.

Defensively, An Ruiyao's game intelligence is highlighted by her positional sense and anticipation. She averages 4.6 possession-adjusted interceptions and 4.18 challenges per game, showcasing her keen ability to read the game and disrupt the opposition's play. Her challenge success rate stands at an impressive 67%, which underscores her reliability in one-on-one situations and effectiveness in reclaiming possession for her team.

With an estimated transfer value of €34K, An Ruiyao represents a distinctive blend of defensive solidity and offensive capability. Her attributes as a Ball Playing CB make her a highly valuable asset for Shandong SL, and her performances suggest she could be key to their ambitions in the CWSL. Her development as a playmaker from the back will be instrumental in shaping both her individual career trajectory and the fortunes of her club.