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The final third is the business end of the football pitch where the attacking players look to shine. Many teams look to maintain steady pressure on the opposition's defense in the final third.
Defenders have worked on their ball-playing aspects in the modern times, regardless of their position on the pitch. However, a tenacious forward can often capitalize on a defender's error, creating a goal-scoring opportunity.
Several top managers have emphasized the importance of pressing in a game. Although it may backfire if not executed properly, it has the potential to create a number of chances. This has worked wonders in the case of teams such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
We now take a look at the five players who have regained possession the most times in the final third.
#5 Kike Garcia - 20
We start things off with Osasuna striker Kike Garcia. Kike spent the start of his career in the Spanish second division before moving to Middlesbrough in 2014. He then joined Eibar in 2016 where he spent five years. The 32-year-old joined Osasuna on a free transfer at the start of the 2021-22 La Liga season.
The Spaniard has three goals and two assists in 18 La Liga appearances. Although he hasn’t contributed immensely in terms of goalscoring, Kike’s work off the ball has been phenomenal. Eibar are known for their relentless pressing, and Kike has brought that aspect with him to Osasuna.
Kike has often been criticized for committing fouls, but that comes with his tenacious playstyle. Kike has won the ball 20 times in the final third this season. Since their promotion in 2019, Osasuna have struggled to finish above 10th in the La Liga and are currently 12th in the league.
#4 Thomas Müller - 20
Bayern Munich mainstay Thomas Muller is one of the best midfielders in Europe. Muller joined the Bayern youth team in 2000 and has never looked back. An engine in the Bavarians' midfield, Muller has tasted tremendous success during his career with the club.
Muller may be 32-year-old but still commits himself completely on the pitch. His work rate is just one aspect of his brilliant role in midfield. He has won back possession 20 times in the final third this season. The German is the leading assist provider across all leagues in Europe with 16 in 18 Bundesliga games.
Muller has won 10 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League trophies, six German Cups and seven Super Cups with Bayern. Muller’s link up play with striker Robert Lewandowski has once again set the stage for Bayern to win their 32nd Bundesliga title. Bayern are first in the league, six points clear of chasers Borussia Dortmund.
#3 Filip Kostic - 21
Filip Kostic has been one of the most influential midfielders in the Bundesliga in recent years. The Serbian’s creativity and versatility have been a blessing to his side. Kostic spent his early days at FC Groningen, before moving to Germany. He played for Stuttgart and Hamburg and was signed on loan by Frankfurt in 2018. His performances for the club were impressive and he was signed permanently in 2019.
The Serbian has three goals and seven assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season. Kostic’s doggedness has helped Frankfurt on numerous occasions and he has won the ball 21 times in the attacking third this season.
Kostic’s direct play has always provided his team with goalscoring opportunities. He has provided 42 assists in the past three seasons at Frankfurt.
Kostic has been on the radar of a few big clubs across Europe. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Inter Milan are all rumored to be linked with the Serbian.
#2 Wahbi Khazri - 21
Wahbi Khazri signed for St. Etienne from Sunderland in 2018. Khazri’s drive and perseverance also earned him the captain’s armband at the club. The 30-year-old is currently on AFCON duty with Tunisia.
Although St. Etienne have been abysmal in the league, Khazri has led from the front and is their leading goalscorer with seven goals.
Khazri has scored quite a few spectacular goals, including a 68-meter long stunner against Metz in November. According to Opta, this was the furthest goal scored in Ligue 1 since they started collecting data in 2006.
Khazri has won possession back 21 times in the attacking third. St. Etienne have had a horrid season and are currently 20th in the league. They have managed to win just two games and also have the worst goal difference (12). After being in Ligue 1 for 18 years, they unfortunately seem to be headed towards relegation.
#1 Iago Aspas - 21
Iago Aspas has been a stalwart in Celta Vigo’s attack over the years. He began with Celta’s youth team and was soon an integral part of their senior squad. Aspas fired 23 goals in 35 appearances in the 2011-12 La Liga 2 season and promoted them to La Liga.
The Spaniard then joined Liverpool in 2013 but could hardly make an impact, scoring just once in 15 appearances. Aspas made his La Liga return in 2014 on a loan to Sevilla before returning to Celta Vigo in 2015.
Aspas’ work rate and pressing have proven to be quite beneficial to Celta. Aspas has won the ball on 21 occasions in the final third this season.
Aspas’ consistency has also caught the attention of Spain coach Luis Enrique, who might include the centre-forward in the national squad.
Aspas has 10 goals and two assists in 19 appearances La Liga this season. He is the fourth-highest goalscorer in the league. Although Aspas has been incredible for Celta, his side are a lowly 14th in La Liga.
