Playmakers often receive higher ratings than strikers in football for several reasons related to their influence on the overall flow of the game, their involvement in various aspects of play, and the metrics used in performance assessments. Here’s a breakdown of why this happens:

1. Involvement in All Phases of Play

• Playmakers are central to both attacking and defensive phases of the game. They are involved in creating chances, distributing the ball, and controlling the tempo. They contribute not just in the final third but also in building attacks from deeper areas. Their passing range, vision, and ability to link up play often mean they are on the ball more and have more opportunities to influence the game in different situations.
• Strikers, on the other hand, are typically more involved in the final phase of play. Their primary role is to score goals, and while this is critical, they may not always have as many touches or be involved in as many varied actions as a playmaker.

2. Control of the Game’s Tempo

• Playmakers control the pace of a game by deciding when to slow things down or when to inject urgency into an attack. Their ability to read the game and dictate passes in key areas is highly valued and often results in higher ratings. Playmakers are also expected to be the team’s creative engine, orchestrating build-ups and finding the key passes that break defensive lines.
• Strikers, while crucial for finishing, do not typically influence the tempo of a match as much as playmakers. Their role is more specialized and often less connected to the buildup play throughout the rest of the field.

3. Contribution to Team Shape and Fluidity

• A playmaker’s passing ability and decision-making are vital to the fluidity and shape of a team’s play. They can link up defense, midfield, and attack seamlessly, ensuring that the team maintains its offensive and defensive shape. A playmaker can create space, draw defenders out of position, and unlock opposition defenses with clever passes, which often results in higher player ratings.
• Strikers primarily focus on finishing and positioning, which is essential, but their ability to directly influence team shape is more limited compared to a playmaker.

4. Assists vs. Goals

• Playmakers are judged on their ability to create opportunities for teammates, not just score goals. Their contributions in terms of assists (key passes that lead to a shot on goal) and chances created are often weighted heavily in player ratings. In contrast, goalscoring is the primary metric for a striker’s performance.
• While goals are crucial, the assist statistics for playmakers highlight their importance in constructing goals, often leading to higher ratings. This is especially true if they are involved in multiple goal-scoring opportunities over the course of a match.

5. Defensive Contributions

• Playmakers, especially in modern football, are often expected to contribute defensively, pressing high or tracking back to support their team. This versatility can add to their overall rating. They frequently participate in key tackles, interceptions, and defensive transitions.
• Strikers, although they may press defenders, generally contribute less defensively, as their main focus is on offensive duties. As a result, their ratings may not benefit as much from contributions outside of scoring and positioning.

6. Passing and Distribution Metrics

• Playmakers are usually highly involved in passing, with a significant focus on passing accuracy, key passes, and progressive passes. Their ability to connect passes and move the ball forward efficiently is often a key aspect of their rating.
• Strikers can have a more limited range of passing, with their focus generally on holding up the ball or making runs to receive passes. While their passes may be direct and important for setting up goals, their passing statistics rarely match the volume and complexity seen with playmakers.

7. Impact on Overall Team Performance

• Playmakers often have a broader impact on the game, influencing multiple goals and transitions. Their ability to switch play, find pockets of space, and make crucial passes can elevate the overall team’s performance, leading to higher ratings.
• Strikers are typically judged more on their ability to score goals, and while that is undeniably important, their contribution may not be as multifaceted in other areas of the game.

8. Perception of Playmaking Ability

• Playmakers are often seen as the heartbeat of the team because they are capable of deciding the outcome of a match through their creativity and vision. Even when they do not score, their influence on the game through assists, key passes, and general playmaking often results in more favorable assessments and higher ratings.
• Strikers are generally rated on their ability to finish chances. While important, their role tends to be more straightforward and doesn’t provide as many opportunities for influencing the flow of the game as playmakers do.

9. Advanced Metrics

• Advanced metrics, such as expected assists (xA), key passes, and successful dribbles, all favor playmakers because these stats capture their ability to create opportunities. Strikers may have high expected goals (xG), but their overall contribution to a game is often more limited compared to playmakers, who tend to accumulate more varied statistical contributions.