Yes, ball possession can indeed affect a player’s match rating, but it’s not the only factor that influences their overall rating. The way a player uses and maintains possession is key, as football ratings are not just about the amount of possession a player has but also how efficiently they manage the ball and contribute to their team’s success.

Here’s how ball possession can influence a player’s match rating:

1. Effective Ball Retention

• Positive Impact on Rating: Players who are able to keep possession under pressure, control the tempo, and maintain fluidity in the team’s buildup often receive higher ratings.
• Key Skills: These players exhibit excellent passing range, good first touch, and composure under pressure. Midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne, Joshua Kimmich, and N’Golo Kanté are examples of players who excel at retaining possession, contributing to their team’s rhythm and often earning high ratings.
• Example: A central midfielder who frequently completes successful passes and keeps the ball moving to sustain attacking momentum will receive a higher rating than someone who gives away possession cheaply.

2. Creating Chances Through Possession

• Positive Impact on Rating: When a player has possession and creates significant attacking opportunities or assists through their actions, their rating is boosted. For example, a player might make a successful dribble or a key pass that leads to a goal, which is highly valued in match ratings.
• Example: A player who makes incisive passes or dribbles past defenders to break through defensive lines (e.g., Lionel Messi, Jack Grealish) is rewarded with better ratings due to their contribution to creating scoring opportunities.

3. Possession Loss and Its Impact

• Negative Impact on Rating: If a player frequently loses possession in dangerous areas, it can significantly lower their rating. This can occur due to poor decision-making, bad passes, or unsuccessful dribbles.
• Key Issues: Losing possession in critical situations—such as in your own half or during counter-attacks—often leads to immediate threats on goal or goals conceded. For example, Harry Maguire has often been criticized for misplacing passes or being caught in possession in dangerous positions.
• Example: A winger who consistently loses possession in attack and fails to track back or defend can receive lower ratings due to their lack of contribution both offensively and defensively.

4. Possession in High-Pressure Moments

• Positive Impact on Rating: Players who maintain calm and composure in possession during high-pressure situations (such as during the final minutes of a close game) often earn better ratings. This involves holding onto the ball under pressure, making smart passes, and reducing the risk of giving it away.
• Example: Players like Sergio Busquets are highly rated for their ability to control the game in tight situations, keeping possession and ensuring that the team remains stable.

5. Possession as a Defensive Tactic

• Positive Impact on Rating: Possession is often used defensively as a means to control the game, prevent the opposition from attacking, and tire out the opponent. Midfielders who excel at this aspect—sometimes referred to as “pass-masters” or “game controllers”—help their team slow down the tempo, reduce counter-attacks, and dominate possession.
• Example: Frenkie de Jong and Jorginho are excellent at controlling the tempo of a game and maintaining possession as a defensive strategy. This aspect often contributes to their high ratings.

6. Possession for Progressing the Play

• Positive Impact on Rating: Some players are especially valued for their ability to progress the ball into dangerous areas of the field while maintaining possession. These players contribute to building attacks, making incisive passes, or carrying the ball forward.
• Key Attributes: Successful dribbles, breaking lines with passes, and playing direct balls into the final third are factors that positively impact ratings.
• Example: Bernardo Silva and Thomas Müller are examples of players who are consistently involved in progressing the ball through the midfield and attacking third.

7. Excessive or Ineffective Possession

• Negative Impact on Rating: Sometimes, players with too much possession and little impact on the game can be penalized in their ratings. If a player holds onto the ball for too long or excessively dribbles without advancing the play, they can be judged for inefficiency.
• Example: A forward who frequently dribbles but fails to deliver key passes or shots, or a midfielder who plays too many backward passes without creating forward momentum, may have a lower rating.

8. Key Metrics in Match Ratings Related to Possession

• Pass Completion Rate: A player who completes a high percentage of passes (especially in the final third or in key moments) generally earns higher ratings.
• Successful Dribbles: Players who can carry the ball forward with success are often rated higher.
• Progressive Passes: Players who play forward and riskier passes to break defensive lines are valued higher.
• Turnovers/Erroneous Passes: Losing possession repeatedly, especially in dangerous positions, leads to poor ratings.