Tomoko Tanaka

Tomoko Tanaka is a forward for Cerezo Osaka in Japan's WE League, known for her unique capabilities on the field despite a low scoring rate. At just 23, Tanaka has already made 21 appearances this season, amassing 1,799 minutes of playtime and demonstrating her dedication and durability. While her goal tally stands at 0.11 per game, her role as a forward transcends traditional expectations. Tanaka excels in advancing the ball, boasting an average progressive carrying distance of 21.35 meters and a remarkable progressive passing distance of 87.91 meters per game. This indicates her involvement in build-up play, where she contributes to her team's offensive dynamics without necessarily being the final touch.

In addition to her offensive duties, Tanaka plays a vital role defensively. She makes an average of 2.36 interceptions per game and engages in 5.22 challenges, highlighting her dual threat as a player who can disrupt the opposition's play. Despite having a challenge success rate of 0%, her frequent involvement in challenging situations suggests an aggressive playing style focused on disrupting opponents. Her profile as a "target" player matches her playmaker rank of 3, suggesting her value lies in positioning and creating opportunities over direct goal contributions. This diverse skill set, coupled with an estimated transfer value of €0, may undervalue her true influence on the field. Tanaka's playing style underscores the importance of versatility and teamwork in modern football, making her a key asset for Cerezo Osaka in the WE League.