Riko Ueki (playing for West Ham United FC Women) is a modern center forward who plays the role of a 'striker' for Nadeshiko Japan (the Japan Women's National Team), scoring goals prolifically.

Specifically, she is evaluated as a player with the following roles and characteristics:
Absolute Goal Hunter
As she publicly states, "My job is to score goals," she is a player with excellent scoring sense within the penalty area. She demonstrated high finishing ability, scoring 5 goals in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Proactive Runs Targeting Space Behind Defenders
Utilizing her speed, she actively breaks through behind the opponent's defensive line to create chances. In the 2023 Women's World Cup match against Spain, she disrupted the opponent's defense by scoring a goal and providing an assist.
Defensive Contribution from the Front (Chasing)
Not only her scoring ability but also her defensive contribution is high. She aggressively presses the opponent's defense from the front, helping the team to win back possession.
Physical Improvement and Evolution
She has developed strength that allows her to compete against physically dominant opponents overseas, and at West Ham, she adapted to the physical demands of English football from her first season.
Clutch Performance on Big Stages
She has extensive experience in international tournaments, including winning the U-20 Women's World Cup in 2018 and playing as a key player in all matches of the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Her position is FW (Forward), and she is expected to play a role as an ace for the team, wearing the number 9 for the Japanese national team.

Riko Ueki is a striker for Nadeshiko Japan (the Japan Women's National Team), combining exceptional scoring instincts with dedicated defense. In the 2022-23 season, she was the top scorer in three domestic competitions, and she currently plays for West Ham United in England.
Characteristics & Playstyle
Her heading technique, strength, and positioning are highly praised, to the extent that she is called "my strong foot is my head."
Her dribbling at speed and accurate shots from both her left and right feet are also weapons.
She doesn't shy away from hard work (defense) from the front, and her tenacious fighting spirit for the team is appealing.
Her ability to anticipate space behind the opponent and her instinct in front of goal are extremely sharp.
Career & National Team History
She is a product of the Nittele Menina youth academy and supported the golden era of Nittele Tokyo Verdy Beleza.
In the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, she scored 2 goals as a key player, showcasing her abilities to the world.
She transferred to the WSL (Women's Super League) in England in the fall of 2023, making further strides in a top-level environment.
Despite her small stature, she is strong in aerial duels and is a player expected to be a "mobile striker" required in modern football.
Riko Ueki, as a striker for Nadeshiko Japan (the Japan Women's National Team), is described as having a very ambitious, hardworking, and competitive personality.
Specifically, she has the following characteristics:
A Hard Worker Hungry for Growth: She is highly ambitious, aiming for continuous improvement without being satisfied with the status quo, stating, "I will always be hungry for growth."
A Greedy Goal Hunter: She is responsible and driven by results, determined to score goals tenaciously for the team's victory.
Turning Competitiveness and Regret into Strength: When she missed the 2019 World Cup due to injury, she experienced intense regret, but used it as a springboard to achieve remarkable growth over four years.
Humble Attitude that Leverages Others: She analyzes herself as "a type who is brought to life by others" and possesses a humble side that values gratitude towards teammates and cooperation with those around her.
Bright and Passionate: She pours immense passion into soccer and shows a bright and positive attitude in interviews.
Her decisiveness on big stages as a striker is supported by this "strong will to always aim higher."