The Premier League contains some of Europe’s best passers, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold displaying superb passing technique over recent years. But what player has been the most accurate this season?
Statistics in football have evolved tremendously over the last few years as the profile of the Premier League continues to grow. One stat that highlights a players true ability and consistency is passing accuracy, so we are taking a look at the top ten most accurate passers per 90, in the league so far.
Accurate passes per 90, per FotMob
10. Virgil Van Dijk (71.5)
Despite Liverpool’s poor season, including a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth earlier today, the Dutch international has continued to show his quality. Since joining the Reds back in 2017 the dominant defender has won a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
His passing has been one of his most impressive features since becoming one of Europe’s best defenders, completing 1463 passes in all competitions.
Virgil van Dijk vs. Bournemouth
Successful Passes: 82
Expected Threat: 0.22
Progression via pass: 8.85
Progression via carry: 1.08 pic.twitter.com/i4irlpmern— markstats bot (@markstatsbot) March 11, 2023
9. Joe Gomez (72.2)
Next in the list, some would say surprisingly is Van Dijk’s centre-back partner, Joe Gomez. The Englishman has been a regular member in Liverpool’s starting XI this season, with Ibrahim Konate and Joel Matip being injured for the majority of the season.
Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League, but their top four rivals Newcastle and Spurs have games in hand on Klopp’s side. Gomez’s time in the squad may be coming to an end as Konate returns to fitness and has started their last two fixtures.
8. Thiago Silva (72.5)
Being 38-years-old, many thought that the Brazilian would be unable to compete in the Premier League, but he has proved all of his doubters wrong. His passing has been crucial for Chelsea, as he achieved the highest passing accuracy (93%) in Chelsea’s Champions League winning season.
7. Manuel Akanji (73.1)
Manchester City signed the Swiss defender in the summer from Borussia Dortmund and he has already proved his worth. Pep Guardiola is known for his beautiful football and Akanji is not the last City player to appear in this list.
The defender has showed his passing prowess throughout the season, boasting a 92.9% passing accuracy in all competitions. Playing in a defence that is notorious for handling pressure from opponents and finding their star players further up the pitch.
6. Nathan Ake (73.5)
As previously mentioned, this won’t be the last player from Manchester City, with Nathan Ake being yet another one of Guardiola’s players who has impressed this season. The Dutchman made a name for himself at Bournemouth and has played in a multitude of positions for the Citizens.
Official: Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and Ederson have been nominated for #ManCity’s October Player of the Month award. pic.twitter.com/tHa22TfMAS
— City HQ (@City_HQs) October 31, 2022
5. John Stones (73.5)
Making it a trio of Manchester City players is England star, John Stones. The defender is recognised as one of the best passers of a ball in world football. He has the highest passing accuracy in the league (94.3%) but due to injury he is ranked fifth for accurate passes per 90.
Stones has also shown his quality on the international stage, being a pivotal member in England’s Euro 2021 campaign and was impressive in the World Cup last year.
4. Kyle Walker (74.1)
Yet again we have a Manchester City player, highlighting how Pep Guardiola’s side dominate the ball in almost every match. Kyle Walker has had trouble with injury this season, with young Rico Lewis earning a spot in the side this season.
However, Walker has been reliable when called upon and also boasts an impressive passing accuracy (88%) with injury dampening his pass per 90 rating.
3. Lewis Dunk (75.3)
Roberto De Zerbi has transitioned Brighton into a possession-based side, so it’s no surprise to see a Brighton defender in the top three. Dunk has impressed under the new manager, with many doubting if he had the passing ability to keep-up with the demands.
The English defender has completed 1914 passes in the league (prior to Brighton vs Leeds), which is the highest of any player outside the ‘big six’. Leading some supporters wondering if Dunk should be called up by Gareth Southgate for England’s next international fixtures.
Players with the most passes in the Premier League this season:
🥇 Rodri (Man City) – 2,239
🥈 LEWIS DUNK (Brighton) – 1,914
🥉 William Saliba (Arsenal) – 1,793Dunk’s not only brilliant defensively, but also an outstanding ball-player. England call-up is a necessity. #BHAFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/YNmrcvhkCi
— Charlie Haffenden (@JournoHaff) March 7, 2023
2. Ruben Dias (82.7)
The Portugal international has missed the majority of the season through injury, but has worked his way back into the squad convincingly. He has completed almost 600 passes less than Lewis Dunk, but his accuracy per 90 has been at an elite level.
Dias is the fourth Manchester City player to feature on this list, highlighting the control they have over every match the play. However, Dias is not the most accurate passer per 90 in the league…
1 .Rodri (85.5)
That crown is bestowed upon Spain international and passing genius, Rodri, making it five Manchester City players on this list. The Spaniard has consistently been one of the best passers in world football, making the most passes in the Premier League so far.
Since signing for the blue side of Manchester the Spanish midfielder has been in the top three players for passes completed in every season. An achievement that no other player has managed throughout the Premier League’s 20+ years of existence.
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