There have been literally dozens and dozens of studies/visualizations, etc. (myself included) which discuss the importance of Zone 14 on attacking and its importance on the final third.

One thing that is missed in a lot of this is it& #39;s link with "secondary" creation, however.

Most work is focused on this area of the pitch as a means to create through balls, key passes, etc DIRECTLY: This is completely missing a huge part of the importance of these areas. Below are Djuricic and De Bruyne: 16 key passes between them from this location.

Looking at these numbers on the surface, and it& #39;s not a surprise some say that Zone 14 is less important than before (it wasn& #39;t that important to begin with). The truth is much more nuanced.

If you occupy these spaces, and find passes through them, it& #39;s the STARTING point.

You& #39;re more likely: find subsequent passes out wide again for cutbacks, attack one side and then switch it to the other, etc. - In reaction to attacks originating through this dangerous location, the opposition give up valuable real estate in the next 2-3 passes.

And of course, if they don& #39;t respect the team in possession you get through balls and progressive passes through the center.

To sum it up: Zone 14 is crucial, and it& #39;s overall/complete prominence to chance creation isn& #39;t as simple as the "initial assist"