#SSSB takes a look at the ten
players with the current best passing ratios in football, according to
WhoScored.com
Goals might win games and
defensive solidarity is vital, but few can deny that a good passer of the ball
is a mandatory component in any good football side.
For me being a brilliant passer
is an extremely underrated talent, even though, as proven with the likes of
Xavi and Pirlo, it can often prove to be the difference between winning games
and losing them.
With help from WhoScored.com
we've compiled a list of the top ten most accurate shifters of the ball from
this season.
We've based it on players who
have started five or more games to avoid the inclusion of 'one hit
wonders'.
So does Ozil reign supreme in
Europe? Or do Xavi and co. still rule the roost?
Find out here...
10: Thiago Motta | Paris
Saint-Germain
 |
| Motta is PSG's ball-winner. (©GettyImages) |
The PSG midfielder has been
linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes after stalling on his
contract negotiations.
The stats show though that he
is one of a few members of the French champions' squad who know how to retain
possession in important areas.
Games started: 6
Pass success rate: 92.6%
9: Mateo Kovacic | Inter
Milan
 |
| Kovacic has a bright future. (©GettyImages) |
The young midfielder is
making great strides into fulfilling his potential at Inter Milan.
At 19-years-old he's
considered to have a great future in the game and, with his record for accurate
passing, you can begin to see why he's so highly lauded.
Games started: 5
Pass success rate:
92.7%
8: Thiago Silva | Paris
Saint-Germain
 |
| Silva now captains Brazil. (©GettyImages) |
It's no surprise to find a Brazilian
defender in this list, as they're all equally comfortable in possession.
Silva is a rock at the back,
and adept going forward. Sharing stats with Kovacic but edging ahead on games
played.
Games started: 6
Pass success rate: 92.7%
7: Laurent Koscielny |
Arsenal
 |
| Koscielny has been brilliant defensively this year. (©GettyImages) |
It was only going to be a
matter of time before we arrived at one of Arsene Wenger's men.
Arsenal are a team known for
their fancy passing and beautiful play, but for their centre-backs to have
excellent pass accuracy bears ultimate testament to their movement and
expertise.
Games started: 9
Pass success rate: 92.8%
6: Alex | Paris Saint-Germain
 |
| Alex combines strength with skill. (©GettyImages) |
Yet another PSG man who's
showing impeccable passing accuracy this term, Alex is proof that you don't
need to be that technically gifted to be able to find your man.
The former Chelsea man is
burly and physical, but clearly also knows how to play football.
Games started: 10
Pass success rate: 92.8%
Alex was a force in the
Premier League.
5: Xavi | Barcelona
 |
| Xavi is brilliant at retaining the ball. (©GettyImages) |
The only surprise with this
slide is the fact that Xavi is sitting at number five instead of number
one.
The Spaniard is a known
pass-master, and frequently links up with team-mates to devastating effect.
Possibly one of the most
fluid and brilliant assisters in the history of the game, Xavi's whole game is
underpinned by his exceptional eye for a pass.
Games started: 9
Pass success rate: 93.1%
4: Leon Britton | Swansea
 |
| Britton is an unlikely inclusion. (©GettyImages) |
Swansea are often credited as
being up there with the Barcelona and Arsenal of this world in terms of the
fluidity in their passing game.
Leon Britton may be a
surprise inclusion for some in this list of great passers, but the stats do not
lie. Sitting fourth in amongst some of the greatest playmakers in the world,
Britton's ratio is in highest in the Premier League.
Games started: 5
Pass success rate: 93.2%
3: Mathieu Flamini | Arsenal
 |
| Flamini has brought stability to Arsenal. (©GettyImages) |
Flamini has been praised for
his defensive displays this season and the manner in which he has been able to
keep opponents quiet.
Apparently it also seems as
though he's been more than capable when in possession of the ball as well.
As stats show, Flamini is the
third most accurate passer of the ball in those who have played five games of
more. Truly exceptional for a defensive-midfielder.
Games started: 6
Pass success rate: 93.2%
2: Francesco Matuzalem |
Genoa
 |
| Matuzalem is an ageing maestro. (©GettyImages) |
Matuzalem has been
ridiculously accurate with his passing so far this season in the Serie A.
Genoa may only be sitting in
8th but the 33-year-old Brazilian has used every bit of his experience and
guile to amass an incredibly healthy ratio in terms of passing the ball.
Games started: 6
Pass success rate: 94.1%
1: Sergio Busquets |
Barcelona
 |
| Busquets sits top of the table. (©GettyImages) |
Claiming the No.1 spot
courtesy of games played, Busquets is currently the number one passer in the
world when it comes to those who have played consistently this year.
An astonishing ratio for the
Spanish champions, Busquets is steadily picking up the mantle whenever Xavi
sets it down, and it's right to assume that Barca may have identified him as
the natural successor.
Games started: 9
Pass success rate: 94.1%
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