May 16 – Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri has been ranked the most impactful player in world football as the Spaniard eyes a fourth straight Premier League title this weekend.
As the season draws to a close with only a handful of matches remaining on the 2023/24 football calendar, the CIES Football Observatory has used data to pick out the most impactful players in world football.
The impact score was calculated by taking into account players’ performances in six areas of the game (defence, distribution, take on success, chance creation, finishing and aerial play), alongside domestic league minutes and results.
Rodri has been a key figure in City’s continued dominance in the Premier League, with the sky blues’ only hiccup in form taking place whilst the 27-year-old was suspended near the start of the season.
Midfielders dominate across the impact ranking, as Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka’s season revelation results in a second-place position. He has been a vital asset to Xabi Alonso’s flawless campaign and an important cog in the system that has dominated both Germany and Europe.
The Swiss is closely followed by Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard in third and club-mate Florian Wirtz in fourth.
Real Madrid duo Toni Kroos and Jude Bellingham complete the top six – fans will be surprised the two are not placed higher up after a dominant and headline-hugging LaLiga season.
Across the different positions, Inter Milan’s Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez topped the centre forward ranking, whilst Man City’s Ruben Dias was named the most impactful centre back.
The winger position presented a close-edged scrap between three English talents, as Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka beat compatriots Phil Foden and Cole Palmer to the top spot.
In the fullback region, Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, who has enjoyed a goal-studded end to the season, pipped Trent Alexander Arnold with a score of 81.4 to the Liverpool man’s 80.4.
Premier League players make up 60% of the top bracket, with six inclusions in the overall top ten.
To see the full ranking click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734897626labto1734897626ofdlr1734897626owedi1734897626sni@g1734897626niwe.1734897626yrrah1734897626