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Analysts explore importance of hidden playmakers in football today

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 11:00 AM

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

Analysts explore importance of hidden playmakers in football today

Summary

Football analysts emphasize the significance of secondary assists in the game, highlighting contributions often overlooked by traditional goal and assist statistics. Players like Martin Ødegaard and Bruno Fernandes exemplify the impact of pre-assists, which provide crucial support to scoring opportunities. With companies like Opta and StatsBomb advancing analytics, there's a push to recognize the full scope of player contributions to the game that precede the final touch. An ongoing analysis suggests that understanding these hidden roles can enhance tactical awareness in football.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Secondary assists, or pre-assists, are seldom recognized in football statistics.
•Bruno Fernandes set a Premier League record with 21 assists this season.
•Martin Ødegaard demonstrated effectiveness in linking midfield and attack.
•Analysts are now tracking pre-assists and other contributions using advanced data.
•The analysis of secondary assists aims to redefine how player value is assessed.

Latest Updates

11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Why Football’s Hidden Playmakers Deserve More Recognition

What they're saying

"
The focus when talking about the best creators in football is on goals and assists. But an attack is usually mounted a step ahead, for example with a cross giving the attacking player a runner or a sh...
— Yahoo Sports

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