Dribbling is one of the most exciting and influential skills in football. A great dribbler can break defensive lines, create space, and provide assists or goals. The effectiveness of dribbling often translates into a player’s match rating, reflecting their ability to make an impact on the game. Let’s break down the best dribblers in football based on their match ratings and dribbling performance:

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

• Dribbling Style: Messi’s dribbling is known for its close control, quick changes of direction, and ability to glide past multiple defenders. His dribbles are not only effective but also entertaining, leaving defenders trailing behind.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Messi often receives match ratings of 8.0–9.0, reflecting his ability to create scoring opportunities through his dribbles. His dribbling often leads to assists, goals, or key plays that influence the outcome of matches.
• Example: Messi’s performance against rival teams in the MLS, where his dribbles consistently break defensive lines, helped him to receive several high match ratings throughout the season.

2. Neymar (Al Hilal)

• Dribbling Style: Neymar is known for his flair and creativity. His dribbles are characterized by technical skill, feints, and quick turns, making him difficult to defend against in one-on-one situations.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Neymar’s dribbling ability often leads to key passes, assists, and even goals. His performances regularly result in match ratings between 7.5–8.5, as he frequently makes decisive contributions in matches.
• Example: In his games for Al Hilal, Neymar’s dribbling has been a key factor in breaking down defenses and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

3. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Dribbling Style: Mbappé’s dribbling is marked by his blistering pace, close control, and ability to change direction quickly. He uses his speed to glide past defenders and create chances in the final third.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Mbappé often earns match ratings of 8.0–9.0 for his dribbling performances. His ability to break through defensive lines with his dribbles leads to many goals and assists.
• Example: In Ligue 1 and Champions League matches, Mbappé’s dribbles are often the difference-maker, helping PSG secure victories with his direct approach and scoring ability.

4. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

• Dribbling Style: Vinícius Júnior is known for his explosive speed, sharp turns, and excellent dribbling close to defenders. He’s particularly effective in one-on-one situations, using quick movements and tricks to beat defenders.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Vinícius frequently receives 7.5–8.5 ratings for his dribbling, as his ability to break through defensive lines is crucial for Real Madrid’s attack.
• Example: His dribbles in La Liga and Champions League matches have been key to many of Real Madrid’s victories, earning him recognition in match ratings.

5. Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli)

• Dribbling Style: Mahrez is known for his technical dribbling skills, characterized by his deft touch and close control. He uses quick changes in direction and feints to maneuver past defenders.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Mahrez’s dribbling often leads to key passes, shots, or assists. His dribbling is a key asset for Al Ahli, and he has received consistent match ratings of 7.5–8.0 for his performances.
• Example: Mahrez’s dribbling contributions in the Saudi Pro League have been essential in generating attacking opportunities, which contributes to his high match ratings.

6. Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

• Dribbling Style: Grealish is an excellent dribbler known for his ability to carry the ball forward, drawing defenders towards him before finding space for teammates. His low center of gravity and sharp changes of pace make him difficult to stop.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Grealish’s dribbling often leads to key passes and assists, earning him match ratings of 7.5–8.0 when he is effective. He plays a crucial role in Manchester City’s possession-based attacking play.
• Example: Grealish’s dribbling has been instrumental in breaking down opposition defenses in the Premier League and Champions League, earning him positive ratings for his contributions.

7. Adama Traoré (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

• Dribbling Style: Traoré is one of the most powerful and direct dribblers in football. Known for his blistering pace and muscular physique, he uses his strength and speed to blow past defenders.
• Impact on Match Ratings: When Traoré’s dribbling is on point, he often earns ratings of 7.0–8.0 due to his ability to create chaos for the opposition, especially on the counter-attack.
• Example: Traoré’s dribbling in fast transitions allows Wolverhampton to exploit spaces on the counter-attack, earning him high ratings for his performances when his dribbles lead to goal-scoring opportunities.

8. Gerard Deulofeu (Udinese)

• Dribbling Style: Deulofeu is an explosive winger known for his ability to take on defenders with skill, speed, and agility. His dribbling is often unpredictable, using both tricks and sheer pace to beat players.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Deulofeu’s dribbling ability contributes to many goal-scoring chances, often earning him match ratings of 7.5 when his dribbling creates opportunities or goals.
• Example: His dribbling performances in Serie A have made him one of the standout attacking players for Udinese, with his dribbles frequently leading to assists or shots on goal.

9. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

• Dribbling Style: Salah combines speed, close control, and a deadly left foot to dribble past defenders. His dribbles are often aimed at creating chances in the final third, breaking defensive lines, or preparing for a shot on goal.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Salah regularly earns match ratings of 8.0–9.0, as his dribbling often leads to goals or assists, making him one of the most influential players in Liverpool’s attack.
• Example: Salah’s dribbling on the counter-attack or in tight spaces has been key in helping Liverpool secure victories, often leading to direct goal contributions.

10. Eden Hazard (Real Madrid)

• Dribbling Style: Hazard is known for his combination of skill, speed, and balance. His ability to dribble past defenders with ease, using both short and long bursts of pace, makes him a constant threat.
• Impact on Match Ratings: Hazard’s dribbling ability in tight spaces and key moments often results in match ratings between 7.5–8.0, especially when he is able to make a direct impact on the game.
• Example: Hazard’s dribbling in key Champions League moments, where he can break down defenses and create space, has been integral to Real Madrid’s success in recent seasons.