The Basics of Pass Completion Rates
Pass completion rate, sometimes referred to as passing accuracy, is calculated by dividing the number of successful passes by the total number of attempted passes and multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. This statistic measures how frequently a player successfully delivers the ball to a teammate, reflecting their ability to maintain possession and avoid turnovers.
In terms of midfield play, maintaining a high pass completion rate suggests that a player is proficient at keeping the ball moving and minimizing mistakes. But does it necessarily equate to dominance? To answer that, we must delve deeper into what high pass completion rates represent and whether they truly correlate with midfield superiority.
The Value of Possession in Modern Football
Possession-based football has become increasingly prevalent over the last few decades, with managers like Pep Guardiola and Maurizio Sarri placing a premium on ball retention. For teams that focus on possession, midfielders are often tasked with recycling the ball, moving it side-to-side, and waiting for the right moment to break through the opposition’s defensive lines.
In such systems, a high pass completion rate is often non-negotiable. Midfielders in possession-heavy teams must maintain accuracy to prevent the loss of possession, as one misplaced pass can result in the opposition launching a counterattack. Therefore, pass completion rates are highly valued as a measure of midfield reliability and consistency. For instance, Barcelona’s midfield trio of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets during the late 2000s and early 2010s were renowned for their near-flawless passing, which underpinned the club’s possession-dominant “tiki-taka” style.
Types of Passes: Not All Passes Are Created Equal
While a high pass completion rate might suggest accuracy, it’s crucial to analyze the types of passes a midfielder is attempting. There is a big difference between a 10-yard sideways pass and a 40-yard diagonal switch to a winger. In fact, many players with very high pass completion rates tend to make safe, conservative passes, avoiding risks that could lead to errors.
Some midfielders, often referred to as “registas” or deep-lying playmakers, might have pass completion rates in the 90% range, but the bulk of their passes could be short and simple. For example, Jorginho, a midfielder known for his role in dictating play, often achieves high passing accuracy due to his careful ball retention, but his passes are typically aimed at maintaining possession rather than breaking defensive lines.
On the other hand, creative playmakers such as Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes may have a lower pass completion rate but take more risks with their distribution, attempting through balls, long passes, and crosses that could split defenses open. These riskier passes are often more difficult to complete but are essential for creating chances and opening up the game.
Pass Completion Rates and Tactical Roles
Midfielders are not a monolithic group, and their roles vary widely depending on a team’s tactical setup. In possession-based teams, central midfielders are often expected to have high pass completion rates because their job is to control the tempo and flow of the game. On the other hand, in more direct, counter-attacking systems, midfielders may prioritize quick transitions over possession retention.
Deep-Lying Playmakers and Holding Midfielders
Players like Sergio Busquets, Jorginho, and Andrea Pirlo have been known for their ability to keep the ball circulating through the midfield. As deep-lying playmakers or holding midfielders, their role is to shield the defense while also distributing the ball effectively. High pass completion rates are essential for these players because their primary responsibility is maintaining control of the game, recycling possession, and avoiding turnovers in dangerous areas.
Box-to-Box Midfielders
Box-to-box midfielders, such as N’Golo Kanté or Leon Goretzka, are tasked with covering large areas of the pitch, contributing both defensively and offensively. While passing accuracy is important, it is not their only function. These midfielders may have slightly lower pass completion rates because they are more likely to play more ambitious passes while also engaging in ball recoveries, tackles, and forward runs.
Creative Playmakers
Creative midfielders, such as Luka Modric, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bruno Fernandes, are expected to unlock defenses with key passes. These players often take more risks with their passing, looking to split defensive lines with through balls or lofted passes into space. Consequently, their pass completion rates may be lower, but their role is not to maintain possession at all costs. Instead, they are judged by their ability to create goal-scoring opportunities.
How Pass Completion Rates Impact Team Dynamics
A midfielder’s pass completion rate doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it has a ripple effect on the entire team’s dynamics. Midfielders with high passing accuracy allow their team to control the tempo of the game, wear down opponents, and reduce the amount of defensive work required. Teams with high possession percentages often have fewer defensive responsibilities because their opponents spend more time chasing the ball than building their own attacks.
Conversely, teams with midfielders who have lower pass completion rates may find themselves turning the ball over more frequently, leading to additional defensive pressure. In these situations, midfielders who lose the ball often must work harder to win it back, putting them at risk of fatigue and mistakes as the game progresses.
Pass Completion Rates in Defensive Midfielders vs. Creative Midfielders
While pass completion rates may differ based on a midfielder’s tactical role, defensive and creative midfielders have distinct responsibilities when it comes to maintaining accuracy. Defensive midfielders, like Fabinho or Casemiro, tend to have high pass completion rates because their job is often to make safe, short passes and ensure the team retains possession.
On the other hand, creative midfielders like De Bruyne or Modric are not afraid to attempt riskier passes to unlock opposition defenses. These passes are more likely to result in turnovers but are essential for breaking down compact defensive structures. Hence, comparing the pass completion rates of defensive and creative midfielders directly is not always meaningful.
Pass Completion vs. Key Passes: Finding the Balance
In assessing a midfielder’s impact, it’s important to balance pass completion rates with “key passes”—passes that lead to a direct shot on goal. Players like De Bruyne or Fernandes may have lower passing accuracy but excel in key passes, demonstrating their ability to turn possession into chances. While a defensive midfielder might boast a 95% pass completion rate, if they are not contributing key passes or progressive play, their impact may be limited.
The best midfielders are those who can strike a balance between high pass completion rates and an ability to make key passes. Players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are prime examples. Kroos is known for his immaculate passing accuracy, but he also provides incisive passes that help Real Madrid transition quickly from defense to attack.
The Bigger Picture
Pass completion rates are undeniably important, especially for teams that value possession and control in midfield. However, this statistic alone cannot define a midfielder’s dominance. It is critical to understand the context of a player’s role, the types of passes they attempt, and how their passing contributes to the team’s overall strategy. In many cases, a midfielder with a lower pass completion rate might be making riskier, more progressive passes that are essential for creating scoring opportunities.
In the end, while pass completion rates provide valuable insight into a player’s technical ability, true midfield dominance comes from a combination of accurate passing, creativity, tactical awareness, and the ability to make key contributions in both defensive and offensive phases of play.