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Messi's dribbling.
A Thread.
A Thread.
Statistically it has been proven that dribbling is a young man's game. Studies have shown that the rate at which a player dribbles gradually reduces as the player approaches his thirties.
Lionel Messi is going against this trend.
Lionel Messi is going against this trend.
Lionel Messi's and Cristiano's dribbling stats over the years compared. (09/10 to 17/18)
(via skysports)
(via skysports)
Lionel Messi is dribbling more in 17/18 and 18/19 than in the last four seasons. He's going against the trend. He is currently dribbling at almost the same rate as when he was 24.
Why is that?
Why is that?
Lionel Messi has always been at the center of Barcelona's play since 08/09. But in the last two seasons he has carried too much of Barcelona's creative burden with the team often being unable to create when he's not on the pitch.
Teams know this hence why Messi is double almost every week.
Messi's role requires him to constantly has to create something out of nothing and be decisive despite not playing very close to goal. (Due to his role)
Dribbles help with that. (Even against deep blocks).
Messi's role requires him to constantly has to create something out of nothing and be decisive despite not playing very close to goal. (Due to his role)
Dribbles help with that. (Even against deep blocks).
It's no coincidence that players with Similar roles in their team post high dribble numbers (also high chance created numbers).
For example, Neymar and Hazard.
For example, Neymar and Hazard.
People say stuff like "he's a ball hogger, he does pointless dribbles". Not only do these people not understand his role, it's also far from the truth.
Below are the top players in terms of their dribble and post-dribble numbers entering and within the opposition box (all stats per 90 for the 2017/18 season via statsbomb). Lionel Messi is a clear standout.
These dribbles have helped him to successfully carry the creative burden of the team while outscoring pure forwards. ( Which is insane given that scoring lots of goals isn't meant to be part of the job description of a player carrying so much of the creative burden of his team)
Hope you understand.
END OF THREAD.
END OF THREAD.
Teams know this hence why Messi is double marked almost every week*
