Saki Kumagai, a seasoned central defensive midfielder for the London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League, has consistently demonstrated her expertise and strategic acumen on the field. At 36 years old, the Japanese international commands respect with her solid performances and tactical discipline. In the current season, Kumagai has been a crucial component of her team's midfield, having played 15 games and accumulated 1327 minutes of playing time. Her role as an 'Anchor' archetype is reflected in her ability to effectively disrupt the opposition's play and provide stability to the Lionesses' defensive strategies.
Kumagai's defensive prowess is evident from her impressive statistics, highlighted by an excellent challenge success rate of 71%, coupled with possession-adjusted averages of 3.47 interceptions and 4.85 challenges per game. Despite her primary focus on defense, she also contributes offensively with her scoring ability, achieving a goal rate of 0.15 per game. Additionally, her progressive passing and carrying skills are crucial for transitioning the game, with notable average distances of 175.63 and 19.87 respectively. Ranked as a 2.5 playmaker, Kumagai balances her defensive duties with intelligent ball distribution and strategic vision, making her an invaluable asset to her team. With an estimated transfer value of €3K, Saki Kumagai's influence extends beyond the field, showcasing the depth of experience and tactical intelligence that makes her a renowned figure in women's football.