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The Premier League is home to some of the best technicians in the modern game. While dazzling solo runs are undoubtedly crowd-pleasers, well-constructed goals with intricate passing involved are also a joy to watch.
Several English top-flight managers have resorted to a possession-based style of play, which has often yielded dividends. Every player in the squad is required to have the necessary skills to find a way out of trouble with intelligent movement and quick passes.
Premier League has been host to some passing masters over the last 30 years
Whether a defender, midfielder, or a forward, passing has become a vital component of a modern footballer’s repertoire. The Premier League has been around for almost three decades and has seen several world-class passers.
From Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard in 2000s to Kevin de Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold among the current generation, the passing quality has always been high. on the On that note, let’s take a look at the five players with the most passes in PL history.
#5 David Silva - 18,801 passes
Manchester City great David Silva was one of the finest midfielders the English league had seen. The Spaniard signed for City from Valencia in July 2010 for a fee of £30 million. He adapted to the English top-flight remarkably well and fit right into City’s midfield.
Silva’s outstanding technical ability combined with his pinpoint passing made him a threat during every attack. The Spaniard made 18,801 passes in the league. In his second season with City, Silva was at the top of the league’s assists table with 15 assists. He was also named City’s Player’s Player of the Season.
Silva won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five League Cups with City in the 10 years he spent at the club. The midfield maestro bid a heartfelt goodbye to City at the end of the 2019-20 season, marking the end of an illustrious career. The 36-year-old currently plays for Real Sociedad.
#4 Michael Carrick - 18,978 passes
Michael Carrick signed for Manchester United at the start of the 2006-07 season after brief stints at West Ham, Swindon Town, Birmingham, and Tottenham Hotspur. The Englishman soon became a reliable midfielder for manager Sir Alex Ferguson and was also entrusted with the Captain’s armband.
With his immaculate range of passing and adept reading of the game, Carrick managed to control United’s midfield effectively. The Englishman played for close to two decades in the Premier League and made 18,978 passes. Carrick won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one Europa League, one FA Cup and three League Cups with United.
Carrick was one of Manchester United’s most faithful servants and called time on his footballing career at the end of the 2017-18 season. After retiring, Carrick was part of the coaching staff before announcing his departure in December 2021.
#3 Cesc Fabregas - 19,187 passes
Cesc Fabregas, who started his career in Barcelona’s youth team, was picked up by Arsenal in 2003 after impressing Arsene Wenger. The Spaniard rapidly rose to stardom with the Gunners and put on dazzling midfield displays in the English top-flight. He soon became one of the most sought-after youngsters in the league.
Fabregas spent eight years with Arsenal and won the FA Cup and two Community Shields. The Spaniard was then reunited with Barcelona, who signed in 2011. Fabregas won the La Liga, Spanish Cup, and two Spanish Super Cups with Barca. However, the Spaniard got very little playing time and soon signed for Chelsea in 2014.
Returning to the Premier League was a wise choice for Fabregas as he shone in Chelsea’s midfield. He went on to win two Premier League titles, one Europa League and one FA Cup with the Blues. Fabregas made a total of 19,187 passes in his Premier League career. The 34-year-old currently plays for AS Monaco in Ligue 1.
#2 Gareth Barry - 20,616 passes
Gareth Barry made his Premier League debut with Aston Villa and was a regular feature in the Villan’s side for 12 years. He then played for Manchester City and Everton before retiring at West Bromwich Albion in 2020.
An old-fashioned ball-winner in midfield, Barry was never shy to put in a tackle and often emerged victorious. The midfielder made 20,616 passes in his long and eminent career. Barry’s most prosperous time was with Manchester City, during which he won the Premier League and FA Cup.
Barry hung up his boots in 2020 after a 23-year-long footballing career, out of which 21 years were spent in the Premier League. With 653 league games, the Englishman holds the record for most PL appearances. James Milner, with 580 appearances, is in fourth place and is the only active player on the list.
#1 Jordan Henderson - 21,115 passes
Deeply adored by Liverpool fans, Jordan Henderson has been a prominent figure for the Reds over the past several seasons. Henderson signed for Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011 and has since never looked back.
The Englishman successfully captained Liverpool to their Champions League and Premier League glory in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, respectively. He was named Liverpool’s Player of the Season in their league-winning campaign. Additionally, he has won the League Cup, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup with the Reds.
Although Henderson is renowned for his tenacity and defensive prowess, he can also make perfect passes. The 31-year-old has made a total of 21,115 passes in the league. With 18,572 completed passes, Kyle Walker is the second-highest active player with the most passes in the league.
