English football has made great strides in recent decades. The days of head-to-head racing are long gone. Most Premier League teams now like to build from the back and attack the opposition with clever passes and clever transitions. The success of such a system relies heavily on the playmaker – the one who sits in the middle of the park and makes the game happen. He holds the ball and releases it as he sees fit, setting the pace of the game to ensure his team maintains the upper hand.
Today we take a look at five such outstanding ballplayers who have set the benchmark for all midfielders across Europe this season. Read on to find out the five midfielders who have completed the most passes in the Premier League this season.
#5 Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa): 1,814 passes
With 1,814 passes in the Premier League this season, Douglas Luiz has emerged as one of the division’s best passers. The 25-year-old Luiz has played 31 league games under Unai Emery this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.
Luiz, who is reportedly on Arsenal’s shopping list for the summer, has put his judgment and tenacity to good use to help Villa in defense. He has blocked 20 shots, intercepted 19 times, recovered the ball 169 times and won an impressive 138 duels.
#4 Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United): 1,911 passes
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is fourth on this list with 1,911 passes completed in the Premier League so far. The Brazilian midfielder played 32 games in the English top flight in the 2023/24 season, scoring four goals and six assists.
Guimaraes has been one of Newcastle United’s best players since joining in the 2021/22 season. The Magpies understandably like him and want him to continue for the foreseeable future. However, with Manchester City reportedly coveting his services, Newcastle will need a miracle to keep him for next season.
#3 Declan Rice (Arsenal): 2,060 passes
Declan Rice has proven to be an excellent addition to Arsenal. The England midfielder has made the team more agile without compromising on solidity, dictating the tempo even against strong midfield units. The former West Ham United midfielder has played in all of Arsenal’s 34 Premier League games this season, starting 33 of them. He has scored six goals, provided six assists and completed an impressive 2,060 passes.
Rice’s dedication was exemplary as he never shied away from doing the dirty work. He has attempted 73 tackles, blocked 20 shots and made 39 interceptions this season. He also managed 160 ball throws, won 142 duels and scored 26 headers.
#2 Pascal Gross (Brighton & Hove Albion): 2,537 passes
Brighton & Hove Albion have not been at their best this season. The 11th best Premier League team has been completely inconsistent and will have to work hard to finish in the top half of the table. However, their midfield general Pascal Gross was in a class of his own. He moved effortlessly in the middle of the park, sprayed with impeccable accuracy and completed an impressive 2,537 passes.
The German midfielder has taken part in 31 Premier League games so far, scoring four goals and providing ten assists. He also created 11 big chances, played 85 precise long balls and won 129 balls.
#1 Rodri (Manchester City): 3,075 passes
Arguably Europe’s best midfielder, Manchester City maestro Rodri, has secured the top spot with an incredible 3,075 passes in the 2023/24 season. The brilliant Spaniard has played 29 Premier League games so far, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists.
Rodri, who scored the winner in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final last season, has won three Premier League titles with the Cityzens. If Pep Guardiola’s team doesn’t struggle, he will win his fourth title in May.