In a series of articles focussing on a specific area of the WhoScored statistics, we turn our attentions to the top seven players for most passes per game during the first half of the Premier League season.
As Arsenal and Man City are the top two teams for average possession, with 58.7% and 57.3%, it’s perhaps no surprise to see those clubs dominate our list, with each contributing a couple of candidates. Analysing the top passing performers so far, we take a look at their overall games, with plenty of variety on offer:
7. Danny Murphy (Fulham) - 63.5 Passes per game
The Fulham skipper creates the most goalscoring opportunities of our featured seven players, averaging 2.6 key passes per game. Sitting in central midfield, Murphy’s set-piece duties clearly boost this tally and also help him provide 1.1 successful crosses per game.
He also averages 5.2 long balls, the most of Martin Jol’s side and, in addition to an 82.4% accuracy, has provided 3 assists so far this term. Murphy has impressed defensively too, averaging 2.1 tackles –the fourth best for the London outfit – and going forward, has managed 0.8 shots per game; the stats sum up Murphy’s strong all-round game.
6. Gareth Barry (Man City) - 63.6 Passes per game
While Barry’s passes per game are near identical to Murphy’s, the stats highlight his role within the Man City side is a far less adventurous one in comparison. Barry makes just 0.9 key passes per game, keeping things safe when on the ball and allowing City’s more creative players the opportunity to express themselves. This risk-free approach is highlighted by an average 0.2 crosses per game and a high pass accuracy of 87.2%. Barry’s ability to read the game and break up opponents’ play is demonstrated by his 2.5 interceptions, the most of Roberto Mancini’s side, and he also produces 2.1 tackles per game.
5. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) - 65.9 Passes per game
The Welshman has come to the fore as a regular in the Arsenal first XI since the summer departure of Cesc Fabregas. Missing just 1 league game this season, he is second for the Gunners when it comes to key passes (2.1) and assists (4). Playing as the furthest forward of the midfield three, his pass accuracy, 87.1%, is all the more impressive given his ability to create chances and an average of 0.3 through balls is bettered by only one other player in our top seven.
Ramsey’s lowly 3.5 long balls is indicative of his role higher up the pitch than our previously analysed players - as a result, he has also impressed in terms of goal attempts, with 1.9 per game, though has only found the net once.
4. Ashley Williams (Swansea City) - 66.4 Passes per game
The only defender in our top seven, Williams’ stats are indicative of Brendan Rodgers’ footballing philosophy. Swansea are fourth highest when it comes to average possession, with 55.8%, so it’s little surprise at least one of their players is listed here. The centre-half plays 7.6 long balls per game, the third most of any outfield player in the Premier League, but still impresses with an 84% accuracy, with the Welsh club’s ball retention vital to their style of play. Williams is joint-top for Swansea when it comes to interceptions, with 2.4 per game, and also shows his ability in the air with an average of 1.3 successful aerial duels.
3. Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur) - 67.6 Passes per game
The Croatian maestro is the fifth top Premier League player in the WhoScored ratings, averaging 7.66. Modric’s all-round stats are simply outstanding and demonstrate his capabilities at the heart of the Tottenham midfield. Averaging 2.3 key passes per game, his variety of distribution is shown by an average of 7.8 long balls – the most of any outfield player in the league - and 0.5 through balls per game, bettered only by Alex Song and David Silva, both with 0.6.
An 88.3% pass accuracy sums up his ability when in possession and with 1.6 successful dribbles, it’s perhaps no surprise he’s the most fouled player in the Spurs first-team. An average 1.8 tackles and 2 interceptions, in addition to 2.3 shots per game sum up his remarkable, and near faultless, season so far.
2. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) - 77.5 Passes per game
Many suspected he was purchased as the replacement for Cesc Fabregas as the playmaker in Arsenal’s midfield but, with Jack Wilshere injured since the start of the season, Arteta has taken a deeper role, sitting alongside Alex Song. The Spaniard has the highest pass accuracy of our featured players, with 90.3%, and is equal top for his club when it comes to key passes, with 2.2 per game. What makes his accuracy more impressive is Arteta’s variety of passing - he has averaged 0.9 successful crosses per game, in addition to 5.4 long balls and 0.3 through balls. The former Everton man has shown plenty of steel in defence, too, making 2.2 tackles and 2.1 interceptions, and has still managed time for 1.5 shots per game, finding the net 3 times.
1. Yaya Toure (Man City) - 77.6 Passes per game
The Ivorian has played a significant part in Man City’s rise to the top of the Premier League and his departure to the African Cup of Nations is a huge blow for Roberto Mancini’s side. Already, they have lost both games – in the FA Cup to Man United and Carling Cup Semi Final First Leg to Liverpool - since Toure has been unavailable. Indeed, only David Silva and Sergio Aguero have a superior average to Toure’s 7.34 for City in the WhoScored ratings.
So far in the Premier League, he is number one for passes per game, just edging Arteta into second by the slightest of margins. Toure has started every one of City’s fixtures and has a brilliant 90% pass accuracy. He has played more long balls (5.3) than any other player for the league leaders and from an average of 1.4 key passes, has provided 4 assists. Playing in central midfield and with no set-piece duties, he has averaged a mere 0.2 crosses, with 0.3 through balls indicative of his eye for a killer pass. Toure has also shone going forward, grabbing 3 goals from an average of 1.8 shots per game and has also played his part defensively, with 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game respectively.
