In the latest of our explainer series, we’re breaking down the meaning behind a progressive pass and looking at which teams in each division are best at them.
In the realm of football statistics, a “progressive pass” is a metric that has gained prominence in recent years as analysts and enthusiasts seek more nuanced ways to assess a player’s contribution to a team’s offensive strategy. A progressive pass goes beyond the conventional passing statistics, such as completion rate or total passes, to delve into the impact a pass has on advancing the team up the field.
A progressive pass is a successful pass that significantly advances the ball towards the opponent’s goal. It could be a through-ball that breaks the defensive lines, a long ball-switching play to the opposite flank, or a pass that directly leads to a goal-scoring opportunity. In essence, a progressive pass measures a player’s ability to create or exploit space, breaking down the opponent’s defence and facilitating attacking opportunities.
This statistic is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of midfielders and playmakers, as it reveals their capacity to influence the game’s flow and create goal-scoring chances. Progressive passes are particularly important in possession-based styles of play, where teams aim to maintain control of the ball and patiently build their attacks.
Analyzing progressive passes can help identify players who are adept at unlocking stubborn defences, as well as provide valuable insights into a team’s offensive strategy. It also highlights the creativity and vision of individual players who consistently contribute to the progression of their team’s play. Therefore, in modern football analysis, the concept of progressive passes has become an indispensable tool for evaluating the impact of players at the heart of the action.
Which teams are the best at progressive passes? We’ve got the top five in each division below, with the number of progressive passes per 90 minutes.
Championship
Stoke City – 73.14
Watford – 72.15
Ipswich Town – 70.9
Coventry City – 70.56
Blackburn Rovers – 70.19
League One
Bolton Wanderers – 77.23
Reading – 75.17
Blackpool – 74.22
Bristol Rovers – 71.18
Barnsley – 70.71
League Two
Mansfield Town – 84.29
Forest Green Rovers – 82.43
Milton Keynes Dons – 78.67
AFC Wimbledon – 77.35
Barrow – 76.65
National League
Gateshead – 81.21
Barnet – 79.01
Wealdstone – 74.77
Southend United – 74.2
Aldershot Town – 73.12
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