Kimmich 4th, De Bruyne 2nd… the 5 midfielders with the best passes in Europe this season

Midfielders are the backbone of a football club. They determine the pace of play, put players into play and open up defenses by executing perfect passes in dangerous areas.

Midfielders rarely enjoy the glory of forwards, but without them the whole system tends to fall apart.

Europe’s top five leagues are privileged to field some of the most gifted midfielders on the planet. Many of these world-class footballers have dazzled spectators with their precise passing this season, and today we’re taking a quick look at their performances.

Now, without further ado, let’s take a quick look at the five midfielders with the best passing ability for the 2022-23 season:

#5 Toni Kroos – Real Madrid

For nearly a decade, Real Madrid maestro Toni Kroos has reigned supreme as one of Europe’s most effective players. The German central midfielder isn’t quite as adventurous as some of the other names on this list today. However, when it comes to dictating play, it doesn’t get any better than Real Madrid’s number 8.

Kroos is skilled in short passes and knows how to keep the opponent in suspense. He also has the innate ability to change play in wide areas with his long balls and is rarely dispossessed under pressure. In the 2022-23 La Liga season, Kroos averages 74.5 accurate passes (95% accuracy) and 6.3 accurate long balls (86% accuracy) per game. In total, Kroos has made 15 La Liga appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

In the Champions League, he provided two assists in five group stage matches. He averages 86.5 passing accuracy (95% accuracy), eight long balls (87% accuracy), and 2.2 key passes per game.

#4 Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich’s right-back turned central midfielder, has been in top form since the 2022-23 season. The German international has made 18 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring three times, providing three assists and creating six big chances. Kimmich averages 2.7 key passes, 70.4 accurate passes (89% accuracy) and 5.4 long balls (74% accuracy) per game in the Bundesliga.

In the Champions League group stage, Kimmich provided three assists and created four big chances in five games. He averaged 68.2 accurate passes (91% accuracy), 4.2 accurate long balls (68% accuracy), and 2.2 key passes in that round.

#3 Luka Modric – Real Madrid

Despite his advanced age of 30, central midfielder Luka Modric, 37, has been one of Real Madrid’s best players this season. The Croatian superstar was immaculate in casting her, she worked harder than most and created goal chances quite frequently.

During the 2022-23 La Liga season, Modric played in 17 matches, scored two goals, created five big chances and provided two assists. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder averages 1.3 key passes, 43.8 accurate passes (90% accuracy) and 2.4 accurate long balls (77% accuracy) per game.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalist was also a star in the 2022-23 Champions League group stage, scoring twice in four matches. She averages 56.2 passing accuracy (90% accuracy), 3.2 long throws (59% accuracy), and 0.8 key passes per game.

#2 Kevin DeBruyne – Manchester City

Arguably the best midfielder in the world right now, Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne is in a league of his own. Not only can he dictate the pace of the game with his short passes in midfield, but he can also deal damage with his passes that pierce the defense higher up. A fit De Bruyne can take on any midfielder in the world and win.

Since the start of the 2022-23 Premier League season, the Belgian has made 19 appearances, scored three goals and provided 11 assists. He has created 20 great chances, the most in Europe; and he played 20 accurate loose balls. The midfielder is averaging 44.95 assists per game in the Premier League.

The former Chelsea player has also been impressive in the UEFA Champions League. In the group stage, De Bruyne made four appearances, providing three assists, creating two great chances and averaging 2.5 key passes per game.

#1 Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

Arsenal currently top the 2022-23 Premier League table and their captain, Martin Odegaard, has established himself as the team’s best player. The former Real Madrid player was reliable in possession, displayed immaculate vision and unblocked defenses with his through balls.

In this season’s English Premier League, the Norwegian midfielder has scored eight goals, five assists and created ten great chances. He averages 34.8 accurate passes (82% accuracy), 2.2 key passes and 1.6 accurate long balls (64% accuracy) per game.

Mikel Arteta rarely fielded him during the group stage of the 2022-23 Europa League season. He averaged just 37 minutes over six games, starting just two games. He created two big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game.