Soccer, like any other sport, is filled with moments that shape the course of a game, a season, or even an entire year. As we approach the end of 2023, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the players and teams that have left their mark on the sport. By examining touch counts, passes, goals, and more, we can gain insights into the defining moments and individuals of the past year.
One way to measure a player’s influence on the game is by looking at the number of touches they have on the ball. Manchester City, the Premier League champions, lead the way with a staggering 52,288 touches in competitive matches in 2023. Real Madrid closely follows with 50,733 touches. These numbers showcase the dominance of these two teams and their ability to control the game.
Interestingly, the player with the most touches in 2023 is not from Manchester City or Real Madrid. It’s Lewis Dunk, a center back from Brighton. Dunk surpassed the 5,000-touch mark in 12 fewer matches than the midfield mainstay Rodri. This unexpected feat highlights Dunk’s importance to Brighton’s playing style and his growth as a player.
While touches indicate possession, passing the ball into the final third is crucial for goal-scoring opportunities. Real Madrid stands out in this aspect, having played 3,876 passes into the opposition’s defensive third in 2023. Toni Kroos, one of Real Madrid’s midfield maestros, led this metric. His passing heatmap reveals the areas he excels in, primarily involving short passes out to the left wing and long diagonals to the right side sideline.
To increase the likelihood of scoring goals, teams must move the ball into the penalty area. The statistics show that Manchester City completed the most passes into the box in 2023, with 1,127. Surprisingly, Fiorentina finished second, narrowly edging out Liverpool in this category. Kieran Trippier of Newcastle delivered an impressive 275 passes into the box, showing his offensive prowess.
The credit for receiving passes inside the penalty area can be shared between the passer and the receiver. Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid stands out as the player with the most touches inside the box in 2023, with a remarkable 449 touches. However, it’s crucial to note that he often creates these opportunities himself by carrying the ball into the box.
When it comes to off-ball movement, Kylian Mbappe shines, receiving 200 passes inside the penalty area in 2023. The French superstar’s ability to disrupt the opposition defense with his runs is evident. Real Madrid fans have eagerly speculated about how Mbappe and Vinicius Junior would perform together, as their playing styles could complement each other on the pitch.
The goal of soccer is to score goals, and Erling Haaland has excelled in this aspect. The Norwegian sensation not only led all players in expected goals (45.19 xG) in 2023 but also scored an impressive 44 goals. Haaland’s prowess, combined with Manchester City’s control of the ball, allowed the team to lead all others with 146 goals in competitive matches throughout the year.
As we wrap up 2023, it’s evident that Manchester City and their star striker Erling Haaland have left a significant impact on the sport. Despite not meeting expectations at the start of this season, City’s dominance in the past year is undeniable. With the return of Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne from injury, it’s hard to bet against Manchester City continuing their success in 2024.
The defining players and teams of 2023 have showcased their skill, creativity, and ability to shape the game. From touch counts to goal-scoring prowess, each statistic tells a story of the players who have made a difference on the pitch. As we enter a new year, it’s exciting to anticipate what the future holds for the sport and who will emerge as the defining figures of 2024.