Passing ability. Everyone wants it. Few have it. As Barcelona have shown us in the last decade, if you have control of the ball, theres not much your opponents can do.In the fiercely competitive arenas of the Premier League, tiki-taka is not commonplace, but being able to call upon the services of players that can retain possession is always vital.Those that rack up the most passes are not necessarily the most flamboyant of individuals, as many are fielded in a holding role and often play simple balls rather than defence splitting cross field efforts, but their influence on a team should not be underestimated.Seeing as itsSquawka awards season, weve taken a look back at the top five passers throughout the 2013/14 Premier League season, in regards to the highest number of total successful passes. Good luck getting the ball back of this bunch.
#5 Cheick Tiot (1800)
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Although the Magpies’ season fizzled out after they ensured their safety, which led to the side being lambasted despite securing a top 10 finish, Tiote controlled their midfield ranks well. The combative Ivorian is far from the most creative or skilful player at the club, but he keeps the team ticking in the centre of the park.
His average passing length of 17 metres highlights how he does not opt for the spectacular very often but he is accomplished on the ball and recycles the ball with ease. However, his indiscipline is a problem, with 10 yellow cards to his name he can often overstep the mark and is not wholly reliable. With the right midfield partner next to him, Tiote could forge a formidable partnership if the balance between attack and defence can be found.
#4 Gareth Barry (1823)
The former England international has experienced a resurgence under Robert Martinez at Everton after being deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City. The 33-year-old is far from the most mobile of midfielders and remains on the turn but he is as solid as ever.
With a passing accuracy of 87% he has successfully shielded the Toffees back four and completes the under appreciated work of breaking up play and distributing the ball to the pacey attacking player within the Merseysiders’ team. Alongside James McCarthy, Barry has proved that he still has plenty to offer in the top tier despite entering the twilight years of his career.
Unlikely to be wanted by the Citizens’ his move to Goodison park could be converted into a permanent deal, but there may be other potential suitors given his impressive displays.
#3 Steven Gerrard (1869)
Liverpool’s captain has flourished in a new deeper lying role for the majority of the season and deploying him in such a position has been a master-stroke by Brendan Rodgers.
The midfielder can no longer provide the powerful runs from deep to support attacks, but has learnt how to create opportunities for his team mates from a central sitting position just in front of the back four. His range of passing is second to none, demonstrated by the fact Gerrard completed 242 long passes during the season, more than any other player in the division.
Whoever lines up alongside Gerrard, usually Jordan Henderson, is required to do a lot of running and closing down, but it is the England skipper that dictates his team’s tempo and rhythm with a league best 13 assists. At 33 years of age, his influence was set to decline, but Rodgers has found a way to utilise his talisman that could see him play on for another two years.
However, a Champions League campaign will gauge the likelihood of his ability to continue at such a high level.
#2 Mikel Arteta (1906)
The Spaniard is often derided as a scapegoat for Arsenal’s shortcomings but it cannot be denied that he is precision personified in terms of passing. An accuracy of 92%, the highest in this countdown, highlights just how few wayward passes are made from the 32-year-old’s boots.
Arteta is unspectacular and can often look uninspiring next to the creative talents of Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla but his job in Arsene Wenger’s midfield is vital. The north Londoners are excellent at keeping the ball and it is Arteta that calmly links defence to the more advanced midfielders.
He lacks the pace to cover a significant amount of ground but someone that is an accomplished a passer as Arteta yet can also carry a combative, physical presence would undoubtedly improve the team, particularly in the big games against the
The former England international has experienced a resurgence under Robert Martinez at Everton after being deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City. The 33-year-old is far from the most mobile of midfielders and remains on the turn but he is as solid as ever.
With a passing accuracy of 87% he has successfully shielded the Toffees back four and completes the under appreciated work of breaking up play and distributing the ball to the pacey attacking player within the Merseysiders’ team. Alongside James McCarthy, Barry has proved that he still has plenty to offer in the top tier despite entering the twilight years of his career.
Unlikely to be wanted by the Citizens’ his move to Goodison park could be converted into a permanent deal, but there may be other potential suitors given his impressive displays.
#1 Yaya Toure (2207)
The unhappy birthday boy may well be contemplating a move away from Manchester City and although the club have insisted they remain calm about the situation, Manuel Pellegrini would struggle to replace the powerful Ivorian.
Toure is a unique player in that he can perform a number of midfield roles and switch between them with remarkable ease and poise. His late goal against Aston Villa showed how he can not only bring the ball out of defence, but also quickly turn his hand to attack and provide a goalscoring touch.
In terms of passing he is well out in front of our other leading passers and is the only player to surpass the 2000 mark. The former Barcelona man has also racked up nine assists and everything in City’s midfield seems to go through him. If he has an off day the reigning champions can often struggle to break their opposition down, but when he’s on his game Toure has it all and is unplayable.
