Momo Nakao

Momo Nakao is making her mark in the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) as a central defensive midfielder for Celtic. At 24, she has already played 19 matches this season, accumulating 1,488 minutes on the pitch. Known for her role as an "Anchor," Nakao's skill set strengthens Celtic's defense while also offering a strategic edge in transitioning from defense to attack. Her contributions are measurable, with a goals per game ratio of 0.13 and an identical assists per game ratio of 0.13. While her primary focus remains on shielding the backline, her offensive metrics reveal she's not afraid to take a shot, averaging nearly one shot per game (0.98).

Nakao's value extends beyond goal contributions. Her ability to intercept plays, evidenced by an impressive 9.5 interceptions per game (possession-adjusted), demonstrates her knack for reading the game. She also participates actively in challenges with a 3.83 challenges per game statistic, though her challenge success rate stands at 50%. Though her progressive carrying distance is 40.02 meters per game, it's her passing that truly sets her apart. With a remarkable progressive passing distance of 191.4 meters per game, she facilitates deep playmaking—earning her a Playmaker Rank of 3.5. Her capabilities on the field have not gone unnoticed, as reflected in her estimated transfer value of €94K, making Momo Nakao a vital component in Celtic's strategy both defensively and in forward play momentum.