Messi, from a rapid ball carrier to a progression machine
There is an important point to take from this visualization coming back to the point of player improvement. Sure Messi was probably faster before and has learnt experience to pick his runs now. However, this graph is highly influenced by other aspects.
First of all, Xavi used to be THE progressive passer at Barcelona, him leaving allowed Messi to be in charge of that progression role.
Was Messi really that much of a better passer in 2015 than in 2014 ? Or was he simply allowed to operate a new role ?
Was Messi really that much of a better passer in 2015 than in 2014 ? Or was he simply allowed to operate a new role ?
Same goes since joining PSG. Is Messi really a more incisive passer ? Or does he just have more options in players like Mbappé, who is the best off-ball runner in the world ? Messi is on course to have the season with the most progressive passes ever from StatsBomb’s data.
Messi simply a brilliant player, no point mentioning it. He was capable of being around the 99th percentile from 2010-2013 despite Xavi being in his absolute peak. It’s not fully restrictive.
The main point is that external influences aren’t talked enough about, Give context.
The main point is that external influences aren’t talked enough about, Give context.
The percentile ranks are calculated for Messi’s position (attacking midfielders / wingers) using FBref data from 17/18 to 20/21.
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