Football isn’t only about scoring goals. How the ball transits from the feet of players to the final passer is a great art itself.
On rare occasions, the final pass might be more beautiful than the goal itself, reports Vanguard.
This is because some players have mastered the art of passing more than their teammates – and this sets them apart.
There have been some great passers in the history of football (and to date). In terms of great vision, technique, assist-racking, and longevity, there are some footballers who were/are very good passers.
Whether it is a cross, or a lob, or a trivela, or a through-pass, or a square play, these players have that ‘killer pass’ that makes gobsmacked spectators.
Let’s take a look at them some of the best passers in the game of football:
Paul Scholes
A legend of English side Manchester United, Paul Scholes was regarded as one of the best in the art of passing. Despite that Scholes was more perfect with shooting in the first half of his career, Scholes became a skillful passer in long and through passes that he earned praises from the likes of Ronaldinho, Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets is a perfect example that some players might not rack up assists but are exquisite in passes. Sleek, smooth, and almost fragile, Sergio Busquests touched the ball as though it were a glass.
During his hey days at Barcelona, Busquets orchestrated all passes across the midfield to attack department with such precision that he always completed 99% of his passes.
Joan Riquelme
Juan Roman Riquelme, dubbed as one of the best players of all time, was a superb passer. When it was believed that the Argentine playmaker was set to retire, Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta showered him with compliments. Riquelme’s passes were quite beneficial as they were visionary.
Michel Platini
It was reportedly said of Michel Platini, “Michael had everything except for one thing: he wasn’t selfish enough.”
Michaeal Landrup was regarded as one of those players who could find the thinniest line inside the opposition’s defence and break it apart. In fact, he was so unselfish that he appreciated every little space on the pitch.
Zinedane Zidane
Apart from the fact that Zidane was gifted the best of ‘first-touch’ in football, Zidane passing brilliance was one to be reckoned with. The French legend could pass anything with both his feet – inside or outside. He was that good.
It is why Binexette Lizarazu once said that, “When we don’t know what to do, we just give the ball to Zizou, and he works something out.”
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne stands tall in big games. He is the heartbeat of every Manchester City’s matches and predicts what happens in open and tight spaces. The Belgian international knows how to put the ball right unto the feet of any awaiting attacker. What even makes him more special is how he opens wide to collect the ball and square-plays from any meter to the front of a goalkeeper. Simply sensational.
Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos was simply that player who would not bother about how the ball went but whether the ball went or not. Toni Kroos was so perfect with his passes that Carlo Ancelloti knew Real Madrid could unlock any defence when Kroos played his passes.
Joan Riquelme once said of Kroos that he does not need to bathe as he doesn’t break a sweat. He also dubbed him the Roger Federer of football.
Mesut Ozil
Mezut Ozil is the only player who would top the list of assisters in a Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Europa League, European Championships, Champions League and World Cup.
Ozil’s passes are of different variety ; short, long, or even flat-footed balls.
Xavi
Xavi did not just play football. He was always scanning his sideways before receiving a pass, and he knew exactly where it was going to before he received it. Xavi’s philosophy about football is to combine and pass the ball – nothing more.
At the end of his career, Xavi has had over 200 assists. He once said in an interview, “I even think to myself: man, so-and-so is going to get annoyed because I’ve played three passes and haven’t given him the ball yet.”
Lionel Messi
What makes Messi who he is is not only his goal-scoring ability but also his visionary passing. Having played alongside Xavi and Iniesta, Messi later became the jack of all trades for FC Barcelona when the two departed the club. Every goal came through him (and his passing accuracy). Later in his days, Messi has the best pass accuracy in tight lines and spaces.
