Category Uncategorized

The Premier League has had some of the best passers in recent history, such as Paul Scholes, Xabi Alonso and David Beckham.

Pass completion percentage is now a big part of the modern day’s data-driven analysis, with possession-based styles being adopted by more and more managers.

But who was statistically the best passer in England’s top flight during the 2024/25 season? Using data from football analytics site FBref, we’ve listed the top 10 Premier League players by pass completion rate. (Note: players have to have played at least 30 minutes per match to be counted.)

Top 15 Fastest Football Players in the World in 2024 (Ranked)

Who has recorded the fastest speeds this year?

ByStephan Georgiou Oct 18, 2024

Data correct as of 25th May 2025

1

William Saliba

Arsenal

94.3%

2

Manuel Akanji

Man City

93.6%

3

Ruben Dias

Man City

93.5%

4

Curtis Jones

Liverpool

93.1%

=5

Andre

Wolves

92.9%

=5

Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa

92.9%

7

Jan Bednarek

Southampton

92.7%

8

Mateo Kovacic

Man City

92.6%

9

Leny Yoro

Man Utd

92.4%

10

Jack Stephens

Southampton

92%

Here's a detailed look at the top 10 Premier League passers in 2024/25… 10 Jack Stephens (Southampton) 92% pass completion

Southampton defender Jack Stephens, though the centre-back had an injury-impacted campaign as he only started 17 times.

He still scraped into the top 10 come the end of the season, squeezing ahead of Premier League-winning captain Virgil van Dijk in the process.

9 Leny Yoro (Man Utd) 92.4% pass completion

Manchester United may have endured a dreadful season, but one of the brighter elements of the campaign perhaps came in the form of Leny Yoro’s emergence in the first team.

The Frenchman took time to make his mark at Old Trafford after getting injured soon after signing, but ended the season as one of their most reliable players – made all the more remarkable given his age of 19.

Interestingly, another new signing was United’s next-best passer – Matthijs de Ligt clocked an average of 89.9% successful passes throughout 2024/25.

8 Mateo Kovacic (Man City) 92.6% pass completion

With numerous injuries at the Etihad Stadium, Mateo Kovacic was able to get more game time with Man City than he was perhaps expecting last season. He took his opportunity, whether that be in the form of scoring goals or his general all-round play.

As to be expected in a Guardiola side, Kovacic is tidy on the ball played a big role in the absence of Rodri.

Why Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or

Not even a season-ending injury could stop Manchester City’s Rodri from claiming football’s biggest individual prize.

ByBarney Lane Oct 28, 2024 7 Jan Bednarek (Southampton) 92.7% pass completion

Southampton’s possession-based style saw Saints centre-back Jan Bednarek end up in the top 10.

The Saints may not have got anywhere near enough points on the board, but Bednarek’s pass completion rate was a rare positive sign at St Mary’s.

6 Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) 92.9% pass completion

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has been a regular under Unai Emery and offers the versatility of being able to play at right-back and centre-back.

The Englishman has now made over 200 appearances for Villa and is clearly comfortable on the ball.

5 Andre (Wolves) 92.9% pass completion

Arguably a surprise name on the list is Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Andre.

The Brazilian midfielder arrived from Fluminense ahead of the 2024/25 season but wasn’t a nailed-on starter under Gary O’Neil. He had been in and out of the starting lineup, but started more regularly under Vitor Pereira, showing his true worth to the Old Gold during this time.

4 Curtis Jones (Liverpool) 93.1% pass completion

One of the players who starred under Arne Slot during his first season as Liverpool manager was midfielder Curtis Jones.

Jones had the best pass completion rate of any Reds star and started 19 games last term as his rise in the first team continues.

3 Ruben Dias (Man City) 93.5% pass completion

Another Man City star on the list is Ruben Dias, with the Portugal international a mainstay in the Man City side.

Dias has found himself in the opposition half for plenty of City’s Premier League games due to their dominance, and he’s kept possession most of the time when on the ball. In fact, both of City’s centre-backs were exceptional last term…

2 Manuel Akanji (Man City) 93.6% pass completion

The top Man City passer last season was Manuel Akanji, who also occasionally chipped in at right-back as injuries bit hard at the Etihad Stadium.

The Switzerland international has seemingly nailed down a centre-back role under Pep Guardiola, becoming a trustworthy player in the absence of John Stones and Nathan Ake – particularly on the ball, if these stats are anything to go by.

1 William Saliba (Arsenal) 94.3% pass completion

Topping the charts this season is Arsenal star William Saliba, reaching over 94%.

A guaranteed starter for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta, Saliba’s place at the top of the game for some time is all but assured. Part of the reason for that is his calmness in possession, as evidenced by his high pass success rate.

The Best 15 Centre-Backs in World Football Ranked (2025)

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

Since winning the Premier League a few weeks ago, Liverpool have either been working aggressively behind the scenes to sign new players or quite literally, they have been on the beach, enjoying the party life in Ibiza and Dubai.

Well, set to enter that part over the summer is Jeremie Frimpong, who is due to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold as Arne Slot’s new right-back.

They could also welcome Bayer Leverkusen Florian Wirtz to Anfield with the German being headhunted by some of Europe’s heavyweights.

Valued at over £100m, Wirtz has attracted the interest of Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Bayern love signing domestic players while Man City are on the hunt to find a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

So, with such a hotly contested race, perhaps FSG will turn their attention elsewhere.

Liverpool big admirers of Florian Wirtz alternative

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are currently working on a list of creative targets.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

While Wirtz is on that list, the Reds have carried out background checks on RB Leipzig’s Dutch midfielder, Xabi Simons, while if Morgan Gibbs-White is made available by Nottingham Forest, he is another player they could pursue.

Also name-checked is Aston Villa sensation, Morgan Rogers. The report states that Liverpool are big admirers’ of the playmaker but it will be difficult to prise him away from Villa Park.

Rogers signed last year for a tiny fee of just £8m, and as some reports claim, he is now valued at around £90m by the Villans.

Given Villa’s PSR situation, it’s unlikely they’d turn down a bid in that region.

Why Rogers would be such an exciting signing

The meteoric rise of Rogers in the last year has been quite extraordinary. In January 2024, he traded Middlesbrough for the Midlands and has only gone from strength to strength since.

During 2024/25, the creative midfielder has become a full England international, scored a hat-trick in the Champions League against Celtic and helped himself to 29 goal involvements (14 goals & 15 assists).

It feels like Liverpool have been trying to add a player of his profile for a while. They famously missed out on Jude Bellingham before he went to Real Madrid and instead signed Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai.

The attacking midfielder has impressed, but ultimately hasn’t been too great a goal threat, netting just seven times in all competitions this term.

That explains links to players like Rogers and Wirtz who beat the goalkeeper with greater regularity.

Similarities between the Villa midfielder and the aforementioned Bellingham are also eye-catching. Indeed, speaking back in August, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp acknowledged that “there are parts of what Jude Bellingham does” in Rogers’ game.

That comparison stems from not just the way they carry the ball – an “electric” trait of Rogers’ in the words of European football expert Zach Lowy – but primarily their final actions in the final third of the pitch.

Rogers vs Bellingham in 2024/25 – league only

Stat (per 90 mins)

Rogers

Bellingham

Goals

0.24

0.30

Assists

0.30

0.30

Key passes

1.51

1.54

Progressive passes

3.62

7.11

Shot-creating actions

3.12

3.87

Successful take-ons

1.93

1.47

Progressive carries

3.38

2.71

Ball recoveries

3.41

3.50

Stats via FBRef.

Considering the former Borussia Dortmund star’s elite status, it’s interesting to note that of the metrics selected here, there aren’t too many differences between the two.

Villa’s star man doesn’t register as many progressive passes, but he is in the lead for progressive carrying, a particular highlight of the duo’s game.

It’s when it comes to creating chances and scoring goals where they are most similar, and if Liverpool are to miss out on Wirtz, Rogers would be a superb alternative.

What makes this comparison even more noteworthy is that the two are actually childhood friends, with Bellingham taking Rogers under his wing during his first training sessions with the Three Lions.

‌

So, while Liverpool fans might not be too keen on Bellingham right, good friends with Trent of course, they would love a player of his ilk in the squad.

There are not many in the game who perform quite as highly as the Madrid star does, but Rogers is well on the way to cementing himself as one of the most exciting English players about.

Related Arsenal could see £59m bid accepted for "monster" upgrade on Sesko

Arsenal have been handed the chance to sign an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.

Posts ByMatt Dawson May 18, 2025

Leicester City appear to have their eyes on a new 4-2-3-1 manager who could come in to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy at the King Power Stadium.

Update on Van Nistelrooy’s future at Leicester City after unwanted record

It has been a hugely disappointing campaign for the Foxes, who are on course for an immediate return to the Championship from the Premier League.

Van Nistelrooy’s side fell to a 3-0 defeat last time out, a record eighth successive top-flight loss at home where Leicester have failed to score a goal.

That is an unwanted record, and there has been plenty of speculation regarding Van Nistelrooy’s future at Leicester.

Talking to Leicester City news, Graeme Bailey said that it is “highly unlikely” Van Nistelrooy remains in charge following Leicester’s pending relegation.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future has not officially been decided, but I am told at this point it is highly unlikely he continues, not impossible, but unlikely.

“He was not backed in January, and some would argue his position has been almost untenable since that failure from those above him, although there is also a feeling in the squad that they did not perform at their best.”

Offer ready: Arsenal keen to bid £30m for "special" Premier League forward

The Gunners are set to move for an attacking midfielder, who plays for one of their Premier League rivals.

ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025

And the reporter has also shared a potential managerial target for the Foxes.

Leicester eyeing up Rosenior as replacement for Van Nistelrooy

Bailey added that Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior could be a potential candidate to replace Van Nistelrooy at the King Power Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 season.

“There is no denying that work is already being done on possible candidates to replace him. I would keep an eye on Liam Rosenior for sure, his stock is massively high. We know Southampton like him, and so no shock that Leicester would be looking, but don’t rule out Chelsea/BlueCo from tying him down to a new long-term deal too.”

The 40-year-old, formerly of Derby County and Hull City, has been impressing in France with Strasbourg and actually shares the same Wasserman agency as Leicester legend Jamie Vardy.

Rosenior, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, as per Transfermarkt, has Strasbourg occupying a Champions League spot in Ligue 1 with just six games remaining.

He has been linked with Southampton and previously came in for praise from Clinton Morrison, who said: “I actually think he’s a top manager. I spoke to a few people at Derby. He was unlucky to lose his job, the players respected him. He’s one of the best coaches ever.”

However, with Rosenior potentially in charge of a Champions League team next season, a drop down to the Championship could be a hard sell for Leicester.

He stamped his aura on the last day of the English Test season, putting the seal on a famous Sri Lanka win

Vithushan Ehantharajah09-Sep-2024Pathum Nissanka’s celebration for his second Test century was familiar but still as crisp as ever.Helmet in one hand, bat in the other, arms outstretched, and hair on point. Still for a moment, milking the ovation from the near-10000 here on Monday at the Kia Oval. A facsimile Jude Bellingham stance, albeit a good foot shorter, but with just as much aura. It said all that needed to be said; “you came for the last day of the English Test season, but you’ll leave thinking of me”.There were not many better candidates for Sri Lanka’s hero in this third Test. The neatness to Sri Lanka registering a first win at the Kia Oval since 1998, thanks to a man born earlier that year. Likewise, that a fourth Test win on these shores was steered home by someone skipper Dhananjaya de Silva was happy to label “the best batsman in Sri Lanka right now” during the post-match presentations. He will join the likes of Don Bradman and Gordon Greenidge as the seventh overseas batter to strike a fourth-innings hundred in a winning cause.The overnight split of Nissanka’s unbeaten 127 – 53 off 44 on Sunday evening, 74 off 80 the next morning – speaks to its pro-activeness. Sharp out the gates, calmness throughout, particularly in Autumnal conditions for part two – then a kick over the finish line with a flurry of boundaries.Related

• Ollie Pope admits to 'frustration' after Test summer sweep goes begging

• Gus Atkinson rested for Australia ODIs, Olly Stone called up

• Pathum Nissanka, fast bowlers script famous win for Sri Lanka

The instructions at the start of the pursuit of 219 were simply to play with freedom. “What I told him was that even in 50 balls, he scores 150, I’m happy with that,” revealed Sanath Jayasuriya. “What we need is runs.” Runs are what they got, though perhaps not quite at the lick their interim coach suggested to the hero of the piece.England still took the series, of course. But there was a sting to how easily they were dispatched by such measured yet attacking verve. Nissanka did unto them as they strive to do to others.But don’t get it twisted. Nissanka wasn’t simply the best version of England, he was the best version of himself. And that is no accident, nor is it simply a story about steady technical progression, but rather steady growth.The 30 months between centuries number one on debut and this one in his 11th cap speak for themselves, as do the contrasts. Against West Indies in March 2021, he spent 19 minutes shy of six hours at the crease, eventually finishing with 103 from 252 balls. He ends this match with 191 off a total of 175, and the unique honour of being the ninth batter in Test history to pass fifty in fewer than fifty balls in both innings.And yet, both are true reflections of Nissanka. That arrival on the Test scene was predicated by an average of 65 in Sri Lanka’s first-class system, which didn’t just set him apart from the rest, but had beards trying to discern whether he was a phenomenon or just an anomaly. Given the country’s batting production line had slowed to a chug, there was a temptation to settle on the latter.Angelo Mathews and Pathum Nissanka celebrate Sri Lanka’s famous win•Getty ImagesMickey Arthur, Sri Lanka coach at the time, knew they had a good one, but could also see how this “different beast”, as he put it, needed to be honed rather than tamed. “I guess mentally we had to give him assurances that this is where we wanted him to play. This is what we wanted him to do. And irrespective of whether he was a success, we still backed him.”Things did not necessarily play out that way, even if Nissanka did have a solid enough average of 38.35 from his first nine caps, before a two-year hiatus. That was essentially the result of a back injury that initially sidelined him, before a long-term hamstring niggle that ended up ring-fencing him for limited-overs cricket.White ball cricket, however, did not come all that easy until 2022, when he seemingly got bitten by a radioactive Sanath. The assumption of a new penchant for risk – rooted in hardwired knack for picking up length – came alongside a greater selection of shots to choose them. And the six one-day centuries that followed, including becoming the first Sri Lanka batter to strike an ODI double-hundred at the start of this year, ingrained a new natural game in Nissanka that has finally made it to the Test stage.Across the four innings he has played on this tour, his 26 fours are more than half what he managed in the previous 15. The Olly Stone bouncers he sent into the stands at backward square leg on Sunday have now trebled his overall tally of Test sixes.

“A facsimile Jude Bellingham stance, albeit a good foot shorter, but with just as much aura. It said all that needed to be said; “you came for the last day of the English Test season, but you’ll leave thinking of me””

As Nissanka blocked everything worth blocking, while still managing to guide boundaries whether driving or leaping off his toes to cut through point, before finally opening his wrists into a drive in that region to confirm victory, it seemed crazy he missed that first Test. The reasons for that were nothing more than loyalty to Nishan Madushka as the man in possession of the openers’ spot.”Pathum came in after a long time with his injury,” Jayasuriya explained. “And also Nishan Madushka and Dimuth (Karunaratne) – these were the guys we were playing with for almost a year, without Pathum. We wanted to give him (Madushka, eventually dropped for the third Test) the chance to play well.”The sense is that Dhananjaya wanted Nissanka in for the start. If there’s any consolation, Sri Lanka’s captain won’t be starting a series without him any time soon.There will be some inevitable patronising of Sri Lanka with this result. That it is good for the game and the wider health of Test cricket. Perhaps there is some truth to that. But at the same time, this Test veered into uninspiring patches largely because of England’s approach.Thankfully, though, Nissanka provided a classy ending – of a talent embarking on a grand new beginning.

The pod team chat Ben Stokes, Sam Curran and England’s white-ball dynasty

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Nov-2022After England claimed their second T20 World Cup with victory over Pakistan at the MCG, the Switch Hit team sat down to pore over the details. Alan Gardner was joined by Andrew Miller, Vithushan Ehantharajah and Matt Roller to discuss Ben Stokes’ heroics, the transformation of Sam Curran and where England’s current white-ball dynasty ranks among the greats.