Since switching to the Academy Stadium from West Ham in pre-season, the Japan international has seamlessly slotted into the base of our midfield – making 23 appearances this term in all competitions.
Across those outings she has continually delivered assured and quality performances which has seen her dictate the tempo in key fixtures across the campaign.
In fact, she has tasted only one league defeat in 16 outings for the Club, while also netting on her debut in a 4-0 win over Leicester in October 2022.
However, to focus solely on traditional metrics there’s more to her game than meets the eye.
But a deeper look into Opta’s figures surrounding the 26-year-old’s output reveals her true impact on Taylor’s side since arriving in Manchester.
As is the case across all of City’s teams from the Men, Women, EDS and Under-18s, the boss has deployed a slick passing system designed to carve teams open who may try to sit deep and frustrate to limit our chances created.
Therefore, we have to make moves through each third of the pitch count with accurate and intricate passes.
Across the WSL’s engine room operators, Hasegawa’s 89% pass completion rate is the highest in the league – and the most within our camp.
Her ability in this department was perfectly highlighted when she crafted a neat move in our 2-1 away win to Brighton in March when she exquisitely teed up Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw for the opener on the south coast.
Her versatility has also made her a gem in City’s midfield crown.
Not only is forcing turnovers key to Taylor’s system, but the ability also to spark fast counter attacks to create chances for our forward players is equally as important.
The classy midfielder tops the list across the WSL’s central midfielders in terms of interceptions, registering 36 this season (averaging 2.25 per match).
This, coupled with her 257 forward passes (the highest in our ranks and in the top four across the WSL), highlights her value in not only preventing opposition attacks, but also when igniting our own.
Out of these forward passes, 72% of those attempted find a teammate, highlighting her influence in possession.
Despite her small stature, the Japan international’s clever movement allows her to create space and drive into attacking areas while imposing herself on proceedings.
This is expertly reflected by her immense dribbling stats when compared to other central and defensive midfielders in the WSL.
Among her sky blue midfield colleagues, her tally of 18 completed dribbles is the highest, while she is only bettered by Arsenal’s Frida Maanum who has registered 22 this term.
Irrespective whether City can round off a strong season with silverware it’s been a memorable first campaign at the Academy Stadium for Hasegawa.
However, with four league matches to play, she could still drive City to what would be well deserved honours by the season’s end.
CITY V READING
You can watch Yui Hasegawa and her City teammates in action against Reading on Sunday 30 April with a CITY+ or Recast subscription.
Kick-off at the Academy Stadium is scheduled for 14:00 (UK) and as the final few weeks of the season come into view, both teams know a victory could have huge significance on their respective league ambitions.
For City, it’s all about the WSL title race, with the hosts in the thick of a four-way struggle for supremacy with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
However, Reading are equally desperate for points as they aim to retain their top flight status.
CITY+ and Recast subscribers will be able to watch all the action unfold.
