Passing accuracy plays a crucial role in determining player ratings, as it reflects a player’s ability to maintain possession, create opportunities, and execute their team’s tactical plan. Here’s how passing accuracy affects player ratings:

1. Possession Retention

• High Passing Accuracy: A player who consistently completes passes accurately helps their team maintain possession, reducing the risk of turnovers and losing control of the game. This is especially important in maintaining team structure and rhythm. High passing accuracy often results in higher ratings because the player contributes to keeping the ball moving efficiently.
• Low Passing Accuracy: If a player’s passes are often intercepted or misplaced, it disrupts their team’s flow and invites pressure from the opposition. Players with low passing accuracy typically get lower ratings because they are seen as hindering their team’s ability to control the game.

2. Creating Chances

• Key Passes & Assists: A player with high passing accuracy, particularly in the final third, is more likely to set up scoring opportunities. Players who create “key passes” (passes that directly lead to a shot on goal) or provide assists are often rated higher. Accurately delivering through balls, crosses, or chips into dangerous areas can significantly boost a player’s rating, as they are directly contributing to the team’s offensive play.
• Failure to Create Opportunities: On the other hand, poor passing accuracy in attacking areas (such as trying to pick out a striker or winger) may result in wasted attacking opportunities. This can hurt a player’s rating, especially if their poor distribution results in counter-attacks or missed opportunities.

3. Defensive Contribution

• In defensive midfield roles, players often help break up opposition attacks by intercepting passes and distributing the ball efficiently. Passing accuracy here is crucial because misplaced passes can result in a loss of possession, leading to dangerous counter-attacks.
• For defenders, passing accuracy is important in initiating attacks from the back. While their passing isn’t typically as frequent or creative as that of midfielders or forwards, accurate long balls and ball distribution to the wings or midfield can elevate their rating. Misplaced passes in such situations can lead to increased pressure on their own defense.

4. Player Roles and Expectations

• Midfielders: Central midfielders and playmakers are often expected to have high passing accuracy because their role is to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball effectively. A midfielder with high passing accuracy (especially in the 80%-90% range) typically earns a higher rating, as they are involved in more phases of play and often set the tone for the team.
• Forwards/Wingers: While forwards and wingers are not expected to have the same passing accuracy as central midfielders, they still need to link up play and provide key passes. Their passing accuracy can significantly influence their ratings, particularly when they are assisting or facilitating goal-scoring opportunities.
• Defenders: Defenders, especially center-backs, are also rated based on their passing accuracy in building from the back. A defender with high accuracy on long passes, especially if they successfully launch counter-attacks or distribute the ball into the midfield, can receive a higher rating.

5. Game Context

• Successful Passing under Pressure: Completing passes under pressure or when the game is intense can increase a player’s rating. For example, a player with high passing accuracy who remains composed in high-pressure situations (such as breaking through an opposition press) is often praised for their decision-making, which can raise their rating.
• Game Control and Influence: Players who accurately pass the ball in key areas (e.g., breaking the defensive lines, controlling possession in midfield) can influence the flow of the game, leading to higher ratings.

6. Advanced Metrics

• Passing Accuracy Percentage: One of the most direct indicators of passing performance is the passing accuracy percentage (e.g., 85% of passes completed). In many player rating systems, this percentage is a key factor in determining a player’s overall performance.
• Progressive Passes: In addition to simple passing accuracy, advanced metrics like “progressive passes” (passes that move the ball forward significantly) are also important. Players who make accurate passes that push the ball into more dangerous areas or break the opposition’s defensive structure are often rated higher.

7. Rating Systems

• WhoScored, Sofascore, and other platforms: These platforms rely on several factors when rating players, and passing accuracy is often weighted heavily in their calculations. For instance, if a player completes a high percentage of passes and is involved in crucial attacking or defensive plays, they will typically receive a higher rating.
• In-Match Performance: Players with a passing accuracy of 90% or above during a match where they are involved in creating opportunities or maintaining possession often earn ratings between 7 and 8 out of 10. A player with low passing accuracy, especially under 70%, may see their rating drop to 5 or below.

8. Player’s Influence on Team Success

• A player with high passing accuracy who consistently contributes to their team’s possession and attacking play will often be viewed as a key figure in the team, leading to positive reviews and high ratings.
• Conversely, if a player struggles with passing accuracy, it may signal that they are either not involved in the game as much or are failing to execute the team’s strategy effectively, leading to lower ratings.