Midfielders are often rated highly based on their passing accuracy, as their role is crucial in controlling the tempo of the game, creating opportunities, and connecting defensive and offensive play. The way midfielders are rated for passing accuracy involves several key factors:

1. Pass Completion Rate

• Basic Metric: The most straightforward statistic used to measure a midfielder’s passing ability is the pass completion rate. This is the percentage of passes successfully completed out of the total attempted passes.
• Influence on Rating: Higher completion rates typically reflect better technical skills, decision-making, and consistency. For example, a midfielder with an 85% pass completion rate is generally considered to be proficient, while those above 90% are seen as exceptional.
• Context Matters: Passes in the final third, under pressure, or in difficult positions are weighted differently than simple, short passes in less pressured areas.

2. Key Passes and Creativity

• Key Passes: A key pass is a pass that directly leads to a shot on goal, regardless of whether the shot is successful. This is a crucial measure for creative midfielders.
• Influence on Rating: Midfielders with a high number of key passes are valued for their vision and ability to unlock opposing defenses, even if their overall pass completion rate isn’t the highest.

3. Progressive Passes

• Progressive Passes: These are passes that move the ball significantly forward, breaking lines of defense. This is especially important for deep-lying and central midfielders who aim to transition play from defense to attack.
• Influence on Rating: Midfielders who can regularly play progressive passes and help advance the ball are rated highly for their impact on the game’s flow, even if their overall accuracy is slightly lower.

4. Passes Attempted per 90 Minutes

• Volume of Passes: The number of passes attempted per 90 minutes is another important measure. Midfielders who attempt more passes often have a bigger influence on the game.
• Influence on Rating: Players who attempt many passes but maintain a high completion rate show a strong balance of influence and accuracy. However, some leagues or competitions might value midfielders with fewer passes but more decisive or accurate ones.

5. Passes Into the Final Third

• Key Stat for Attacking Midfielders: For attacking midfielders, passes into the final third (the area of the pitch closest to the opponent’s goal) are a key indicator of their ability to break down defensive lines and create goal-scoring opportunities.
• Influence on Rating: A midfielder who regularly plays precise passes into the final third is highly valued, even if their overall pass completion rate is lower, as it shows they are willing to take risks and make incisive contributions.

6. Expected Assists (xA)

• Expected Assists (xA): This is a metric that estimates the likelihood of a pass leading to a goal based on various factors like pass type, distance, and angle. It provides an indication of the quality of a midfielder’s passing.
• Influence on Rating: High xA values indicate that a player’s passes are often in dangerous areas and have a high probability of resulting in assists.

7. Forward Passing vs. Lateral/Backward Passing

• Forward Passing: Midfielders are often rated higher if they play more forward passes rather than lateral or backward passes. A tendency to play progressive, forward passes is highly valued in modern football.
• Influence on Rating: Passes that aim to progress the ball towards the opponent’s goal are seen as more impactful than sideways or backward passes. Midfielders with high percentages of forward passes are rated as more dynamic and effective.

8. Pressure Resistance and Passing Under Pressure

• Passing Under Pressure: Midfielders are often tested in tight spaces, where they have to pass under pressure from opposing players. The ability to maintain accuracy in such situations is a key rating factor.
• Influence on Rating: Midfielders who can complete passes accurately despite being pressed or surrounded by defenders are highly regarded for their composure and decision-making under pressure.

9. Pass Direction and Variety

• Pass Direction: The variety of passing (e.g., short passes, long balls, through balls, crosses) and the ability to switch the play efficiently from one side to another also influence ratings.
• Influence on Rating: A midfielder who demonstrates versatility in passing (both short and long-range) is often rated higher, as they can adapt to different situations during a match.

10. Defensive Contributions to Passing

• Pass Interceptions/Recoveries: Defenders and defensive midfielders who intercept passes or recover possession and quickly distribute accurate passes can also be highly rated for their passing.
• Influence on Rating: Players who combine defensive work with accurate distribution play an important role in transitions and are often praised for their passing accuracy after recovering possession.

Example of Midfielders with High Passing Accuracy:

• Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): Known for his vision, creativity, and precision in passing, De Bruyne consistently ranks among the top midfielders for both key passes and overall passing accuracy.
• Luka Modrić (Real Madrid): Modrić is often celebrated for his incredible passing range, from short to long balls, and his ability to dictate the pace of the game.
• Jorginho (Arsenal): As a deep-lying midfielder, Jorginho’s passing accuracy in controlling the ball and distributing it effectively is a key part of his game.