Victoria Pelova

Victoria Pelova, a prominent Dutch midfielder, is making her mark in the UEFA Women's Champions League with Arsenal FC. At 27, she plays a crucial role as a central defensive midfielder (CDM) for the team, and her performance on the field reflects her strong physical presence and tactical acumen. Playing in a total of 331 minutes over four games this season, Pelova has shaped her reputation as a tenacious defender and a reliable playmaker. Known for her defensive strength, she's classified under the "Physical Defender" archetype, excelling in both intercepting passes and creating opportunities from deep within her own half.

Despite not scoring or assisting so far, Victoria Pelova demonstrates a keen ability to influence the game through her proactive playing style. She averages 6.92 interceptions per game (possession-adjusted), which highlights her anticipation and ability to disrupt the opposition’s play. Additionally, she excels in breaking opponent lines with an impressive progressive passing distance averaging 186.77 meters per game. Her physical prowess comes through in challenges too, with a success rate of 53%. While her offensive metrics, such as shots per game (1.49) and xG per game (0.1), indicate a more defensive focus, Pelova's contribution to her team's buildup play cannot be overlooked. With a playmaker rank of 3.5, she’s valued in the current market at €326K, which reflects her significant role in strengthening Arsenal’s defensive line while providing a solid foundation for attacking maneuvers.