Shiori Kinoshita, a seasoned central defender for Elfen Saitama, has carved out a distinguished niche in Japan's premier women's football competition, the WE League. At 32, Kinoshita brings a wealth of experience and tactical acumen to her role, consistently demonstrating her prowess in the heart of the defense. Standing out not for her goal-scoring or assist-making, but for her defensive solidity and physical presence, Kinoshita epitomizes the archetype of a Physical Defender. Over the course of her 20-game season, she clocked an impressive 1,706 minutes on the pitch, reflecting her vital role in the team's defensive line-up.
Kinoshita's stats paint a picture of a player deeply committed to breaking up opposition play and launching transitions. Despite maintaining a playmaker rank of 2, her contributions lean more toward defensive duties. With progressive passing and carrying distances of 220.69 and 4.81 yards per 90 respectively, she plays a crucial part in advancing the ball from the back. Her defensive metrics are especially noteworthy, showcasing 5.82 interceptions per 90 (possession-adjusted) and 5.25 challenges per 90, revealing her effectiveness in disrupting the opposing teams' plays. While the challenge success rate may seem an anomaly at 0%, her overall defensive capabilities, highlighted by her anticipatory skills, make her an indispensable asset to Elfen Saitama's rearguard.
Nojima Stella · CDM