In recent years, football has witnessed a tactical evolution with the emergence of innovative strategies and roles, such as the inverted full-back, which was popularized by managers like Pep Guardiola. To gain a competitive edge, clubs now employ extensive data analysis departments to scrutinize every aspect of the game. A key focus of this analysis has been set-pieces and crossing, with many clubs in Europe’s top five leagues appointing specialist coaches to hone these crucial skills.
Crossing is a specialized skill that demands exceptional accuracy, often from wide areas on the field. The challenge lies in delivering a precise ball to a teammate in the penalty box, a task where failure is more common than success. However, when executed perfectly, a well-placed cross can be a game-changer, though it often goes underappreciated.
Ranking Criteria: What Defines the Best Crossers
To identify the best crossers in world football for 2024, several key attributes were considered:
Assists: The ability to set up a teammate for a goal directly from a cross.
Reputation: The recognition a player receives for their crossing ability from pundits and fans alike.
Successful Crosses: The overall success rate of crosses, highlighting a player’s consistency in creating scoring opportunities, even when they don’t directly result in goals.
Kevin De Bruyne: The Master of Crosses
At the top of the list is Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian maestro from Manchester City. Since his arrival in 2015, De Bruyne has become one of the most creative forces in Europe’s top leagues. Despite an injury-riddled season, his ability to influence games remains unmatched. Last season, he created 4.33 chances per 90 minutes, with a successful cross rate of 2.57 per game, the highest in the Premier League. His precise long-range passing and vision make him the epitome of a world-class crosser.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Modern-Day Wing Playmaker
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has redefined the role of a full-back with his extraordinary crossing ability. Now playing in a more advanced midfield role, Alexander-Arnold’s technical prowess on the right flank is reminiscent of David Beckham. Last season, he delivered 2.29 successful crosses per 90 minutes, creating 2.67 chances per game. His ability to consistently deliver pinpoint crosses, even under pressure, places him among the elite.
Joshua Kimmich: Versatility and Precision from Bayern’s Backbone
Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich is celebrated for his versatility, excelling both as a defensive midfielder and a right-back. His crossing is an underrated aspect of his game, contributing significantly to Bayern’s attacking play. Kimmich’s 2.68 successful crosses per 90 minutes were the best in the Bundesliga, and he led the league in chances created with 2.97 per game. His accuracy and vision make him a key playmaker for both club and country.
James Ward-Prowse: The Set-Piece Specialist of West Ham United
James Ward-Prowse, now with West Ham United, is renowned for his exceptional set-piece delivery. His ability to consistently deliver dangerous crosses, particularly from corners, has made him one of the most effective set-piece takers in Premier League history. Last season, he registered 1.92 successful crosses per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 4% of players in his position. His contribution to West Ham’s attack is pivotal, especially during dead-ball situations.
Alejandro Grimaldo: Leverkusen’s Creative Wing-Back
Alejandro Grimaldo had a standout season with Bayer Leverkusen, playing a crucial role in their Bundesliga title win under Xabi Alonso. As a left-wing back, Grimaldo provided an additional creative outlet for his team, recording 20 assists across all competitions. His 1.78 successful crosses per 90 minutes put him in the top 8% for this metric, showcasing his importance to Leverkusen’s attacking strategies.
Pascal Gross: Dortmund’s New Midfield Maestro
Pascal Gross made a significant impact after joining Borussia Dortmund from Brighton & Hove Albion. Known for his versatility, Gross excelled at creating chances from both central and wide positions. Last season, he led the Premier League midfielders with 2.57 successful crosses per 90 minutes. His ability to consistently create opportunities has made him an essential part of Dortmund’s setup.
Nico Williams: Spain’s Rising Star on the Wing
Nico Williams emerged as one of Spain’s brightest talents during Euro 2024, playing a key role in their victorious campaign. His partnership with Lamine Yamal on the wings was instrumental in Spain’s success. Williams’ crossing ability, particularly from wide positions, was exceptional, with 1.82 successful crosses per 90 minutes, placing him among the top 10% of left-wingers at the tournament.
Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s Creative Force
Since breaking into Arsenal’s first team, Bukayo Saka has become one of the Premier League’s best wingers. Known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability, Saka is also a formidable crosser. In the 2023/24 season, he delivered 1.38 successful crosses per 90 minutes and created 2.79 chances per game. His ability to cut inside and deliver precise crosses makes him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
Arda Guler: Real Madrid’s Emerging Talent
Arda Guler shone brightly at Euro 2024, helping Turkey reach the quarter-finals with his creative flair. Despite limited minutes at Real Madrid last season, Guler managed to make a significant impact, scoring six goals in 10 La Liga appearances. His crossing ability, demonstrated by 1.84 successful crosses per 90 minutes at Euro 2024, highlights his potential to become a key player for Real Madrid in the upcoming season.
This comprehensive ranking of the best crossers in world football for 2024 showcases the players who have mastered the art of delivering precise and effective crosses, making them invaluable assets to their teams.
Your ranking criteria for the best crossers in world football for 2024 is well-founded, focusing on attributes like assists, reputation, and successful crosses. Here’s a summary of the top crossers based on these criteria:
1. **Kevin De Bruyne** (Manchester City): Known for his exceptional vision and precise long-range passing, De Bruyne leads with 4.33 chances created per 90 minutes and a successful cross rate of 2.57 per game.
2. **Trent Alexander-Arnold** (Liverpool): As a redefined full-back and now advanced midfielder, Alexander-Arnold offers precision and consistency, with 2.29 successful crosses per 90 minutes and 2.67 chances created per game.
3. **Joshua Kimmich** (Bayern Munich): Kimmich’s versatility and crossing precision are highlighted by his 2.68 successful crosses per 90 minutes and 2.97 chances created per game, making him a key playmaker.
4. **James Ward-Prowse** (West Ham United): A set-piece specialist, Ward-Prowse excels in delivering dangerous crosses from corners, with 1.92 successful crosses per 90 minutes, ranking him among the top in his position.
5. **Alejandro Grimaldo** (Bayer Leverkusen): Grimaldo’s creative play from the left-wing back position contributed significantly to Leverkusen’s Bundesliga success, with 1.78 successful crosses per 90 minutes.
6. **Pascal Gross** (Borussia Dortmund): Gross’s versatility and crossing ability are evident in his 2.57 successful crosses per 90 minutes, leading midfielders in the Premier League before his move to Dortmund.
7. **Nico Williams** (Spain): Emerging as a top talent, Williams demonstrated his crossing prowess with 1.82 successful crosses per 90 minutes at Euro 2024, contributing to Spain’s success.
8. **Bukayo Saka** (Arsenal): Saka’s creativity and crossing ability are key to Arsenal’s attack, with 1.38 successful crosses per 90 minutes and 2.79 chances created per game.
9. **Arda Guler** (Real Madrid): Despite limited minutes last season, Guler showed his potential with 1.84 successful crosses per 90 minutes at Euro 2024, indicating his future importance.
These players stand out not only for their technical skills but also for their ability to impact games through precise and effective crossing.
