Aya Sameshima is a seasoned left-back currently playing for Omiya Ardija Ventus in Japan's WE League. At the age of 37, she brings veteran experience and tactical acumen to her team. Despite not being known for scoring or assisting—evident in her record of zero goals and assists over 22 games this season—Sameshima excels in other areas that make her an invaluable asset to her team's defensive setup. With 1984 minutes on the field, she consistently demonstrates her reliability and stamina, fulfilling a crucial role in the squad.
Sameshima's strengths lie in her ability to progress the ball and disrupt the opponent's play. Her progressive carrying distance averages 69.36 meters per game, complemented by an impressive progressive passing distance of 499.27 meters per game. These metrics highlight her capability in advancing the ball and initiating attacks from the back, embodying her player archetype as a "Progressor." Her defensive skills are no less remarkable; she averages 4.38 interceptions and 5.64 challenges per game when adjusted for possession, showcasing her ability to read the game effectively. Although her challenge success rate stands at 0%, her third-place playmaker rank indicates her strategic importance in build-up play, a testament to her enduring quality on the pitch.