Passing accuracy is a critical factor in determining a player’s match rating because it directly impacts a team’s ability to control the game, create chances, and build offensive plays. Here’s how passing accuracy influences a player’s performance rating:

1. Maintaining Possession and Rhythm

• Positive Impact: A player with high passing accuracy helps their team maintain possession and control the tempo of the game. Accurate passes allow the team to move the ball efficiently across the field, reducing turnovers and sustaining attacking pressure. This type of play often leads to higher ratings because the player is contributing to keeping the team organized and dominant.
• Example: Midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri are known for their ability to maintain possession with high passing accuracy, which is why they frequently receive positive ratings.

2. Key Passes and Creating Opportunities

• Positive Impact: Passing accuracy is crucial for creating goal-scoring opportunities. Players who consistently deliver precise and effective key passes (passes that directly lead to a shot on goal) or provide assists contribute significantly to the team’s attacking play, which boosts their match rating. High passing accuracy in the final third, where precision is essential, is highly valued.
• Example: Players like Bruno Fernandes and Lionel Messi are excellent at threading accurate passes into dangerous areas, which directly influences their ratings after a match.

3. Minimizing Errors and Turnovers

• Positive Impact: Players who maintain a high passing accuracy reduce the risk of turnovers or mistakes that could lead to opposition counter-attacks. High passing accuracy, particularly in critical areas like the defensive third or midfield, is crucial for avoiding dangerous situations. Players who manage to avoid errors in such areas are often rewarded with higher ratings.
• Example: Players like Joshua Kimmich and Sergio Busquets are renowned for their passing precision in defensive positions, ensuring that their teams don’t lose possession in dangerous areas.

4. Build-Up Play and Transition Speed

• Positive Impact: Accurate passing helps to facilitate smooth build-up play, especially when transitioning from defense to attack. Quick, precise passes allow the team to move up the field faster, exploiting spaces and creating fast breaks. This is particularly important for teams that play a possession-based or counter-attacking style. A player who executes quick, accurate passes in transition is highly valued.
• Example: Marco Verratti and Xavi Hernandez are famous for their short-range passing accuracy, helping their teams swiftly move from defense to attack, often earning them high match ratings.

5. Short Passes vs. Long Passes

• Short Passes: These are typically more accurate and easier to execute. A player who completes a high percentage of short passes, especially in tight situations, is often praised for their ability to retain possession and keep the ball circulating.
• Long Passes: While riskier, long passes that are executed accurately can have a significant impact, especially when used to switch the play or break defensive lines. Players with a high success rate for long passes, such as David Alaba or Jorginho, receive recognition for their vision and passing range, which boosts their ratings.
• Example: A player who completes several accurate long balls to switch play or create a direct goal-scoring opportunity will typically be rated higher.

6. Defensive Passes and Play Progression

• Positive Impact: For defensive players, passing accuracy is vital in distributing the ball efficiently from the back. Central defenders who maintain possession with accurate passes, especially when playing out from the back, are crucial for the team’s defensive structure and progression. A high level of passing accuracy is appreciated, especially when it avoids unnecessary risks and helps in building from the back.
• Example: Ruben Dias and Virgil van Dijk are well-regarded for their passing ability in defense, often playing key passes that progress the ball from defense to midfield.

7. Influence on Team Success

• Positive Impact: A player’s passing accuracy can influence the overall success of the team in a match. Teams that dominate possession and pass effectively are more likely to control the game and create scoring opportunities, often leading to higher individual ratings for the players involved in that passing build-up. Players who contribute to a team’s passing success are recognized with positive ratings.
• Example: Kevin De Bruyne’s passing in Manchester City’s attacking play often results in team goals and assists, earning him high ratings in matches where his passing accuracy shines.

8. Pass Completion Percentage and Its Impact

• High Pass Completion: A high pass completion rate, particularly for central midfielders or defenders, contributes to the player’s ability to dictate the play. Players with 90%+ pass completion in a match typically receive higher ratings.
• Low Pass Completion: On the other hand, players who misplace many passes, especially in high-risk areas or under pressure, can have their ratings negatively affected, even if they contribute in other ways (e.g., defensively or with goals).

9. Risk vs. Reward in Passing

• Positive Impact: A player who takes calculated risks with their passing (such as trying a through ball or a long pass) and completes it successfully is often rated higher than a player who plays it safe but with less creativity. However, if a player attempts risky passes and fails frequently, their rating will drop.
• Example: Cesc Fàbregas was known for attempting high-risk passes that could break defensive lines, and while not all were successful, those that were earned him high praise in match ratings.

10. Impact on Defensive and Offensive Actions

• Defensive Actions: Accurate passes from defenders help to neutralize opposition pressure and clear danger, while inaccurate passes can create dangerous situations. Defenders who pass with precision, even in difficult situations, are valued.
• Offensive Actions: Offensive players who maintain high passing accuracy in the final third or in dangerous areas contribute directly to the team’s chances of scoring. High ratings often follow players who make accurate passes that lead to goals or assists.