Riko Ueki

Riko Ueki is a standout midfielder for West Ham United in the Women's Super League, recognized for her tactical acumen and on-field versatility. At 27 years old, she has already established herself as a key component of the team's attacking strategy. Ueki's experience and skill set have made her an invaluable asset in the highly competitive league. Her playstyle is characterized by a blend of technical finesse and relentless work ethic, earning her the archetype of a "Worker" on the pitch.

In her 16 appearances this season, Ueki has been a pivotal part of West Ham's midfield, clocking 1,543 minutes on the field. While her goal-scoring rate is modest at 0.07 goals per game, she more than compensates with her playmaking abilities, contributing 0.26 assists per game. Her technical proficiency is further highlighted by her impressive expected goals (xG) rate of 0.26 per game and her ability to generate 1.7 shots per match. These statistics underscore her capability to create and capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities both for herself and her teammates.

Ueki's influence extends beyond just the offensive statistics. Defensively, she contributes significantly with her high work rate, registering 2.62 interceptions per game and engaging in 3.73 possession-adjusted challenges per game, boasting a challenge success rate of 51%. These figures not only demonstrate her effectiveness in disrupting opposition play but also her commitment to the defensive responsibilities of her role as a central attacking midfielder. Moreover, her playmaking skills are underscored by an impressive average progressive passing distance of 76.65 per game, paired with a substantial progressive carrying distance of 15.75 per game, making her a crucial bridge between defense and attack.

Ranked as the second-best playmaker on her team, Ueki's contributions to West Ham United are invaluable, reflected in her estimated transfer value of €309K. Her seamless integration into the team and her consistent performance in the Women's Super League, coupled with her international experience with the Japan national team, exemplify her status as a formidable force in women's football. Her unique blend of skills and tireless work ethic continue to make her an indispensable player for West Ham United and a formidable presence on the international stage.