“I think the statistics of completed passes in football are the most useless. I could have a 96% pass completion rate, but I would be playing sideways or backwards, and that would not pose any danger. It means I’ve done nothing. What’s the point in that?” – these are the words of Kevin De Bruyne, as reported by Give me Sport. The Belgian midfielder is one of the most talented and creative players in modern football. Known for his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, split defences with incisive passes, and contribute goals and assists, De Bruyne is rightly regarded as one of the best players in the world.
However, the 31-year-old has often been critical of the way football statistics are used to evaluate player performance. He believes that the emphasis on pass completion rates and other data points can be misleading, as they do not necessarily reflect the true impact a player has on the game. “A lot of the time, players will take the easy option, play the easy pass, and their stats will look good,” De Bruyne explained. “But that doesn’t mean they’re actually contributing to the team’s success. I’d rather see a player take a risk, try to create something, and maybe only complete 80% of their passes, than someone who just plays it safe all the time.”
The Manchester City midfielder’s comments touch on a wider debate in the world of football analytics. While data and statistics can provide valuable insights, there is a growing recognition that they need to be interpreted and used carefully, with an understanding of the context and the broader picture. In De Bruyne’s case, he is known for his ability to play penetrating passes, make intelligent runs, and drive his team forward. These qualities may not always be fully captured by traditional statistics, but they are crucial to the way he impacts the game. “I’m not saying stats are useless,” De Bruyne clarified. “They can be useful tools, but they shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all. The eye test is still important, and we need to look at the overall contribution a player makes to the team, not just their numbers.”
The Belgian’s perspective on the limitations of football statistics is shared by many other top players and coaches. They argue that the game is complex, and that reducing it to a series of data points can oversimplify the nuances and intricacies that make the sport so captivating. “Football is not just about numbers,” De Bruyne said. “It’s about creativity, vision, decision-making, and the ability to find solutions in the moment. Those are the qualities that make the game special, and that’s what I try to focus on in my own play.” As the analytics revolution continues to transform the way football is studied and understood, players like De Bruyne serve as a valuable reminder that the game is about more than just the numbers. They challenge us to look beyond the statistics and appreciate the artistry, the spontaneity, and the sheer unpredictability that make football the beautiful game.
33-year-old Kevin De Bruyne has been playing for Manchester City since August 2015. During this time, he has made 384 appearances for the club, scoring 102 goals and providing 170 assists. The Belgian midfielder’s contract with the team is set to expire at the end of the 2024/2025 season. De Bruyne’s time at Manchester City has been nothing short of remarkable. He has been a pivotal figure in the club’s success, helping them win four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and six League Cups. The Belgian’s ability to control the tempo of the game, create chances for his teammates, and contribute goals himself has made him one of the most influential players in the Premier League.
Despite his impressive statistics, De Bruyne has often been critical of the way football data is used to evaluate player performance. He believes that the emphasis on pass completion rates and other numerical metrics can be misleading, as they do not necessarily reflect the true impact a player has on the game. “A lot of players will take the easy option, play the safe pass, and their stats will look good,” De Bruyne has said. “But that doesn’t mean they’re actually helping the team. I’d rather see a player take a risk, try to create something, and maybe only complete 80% of their passes, than someone who just plays it safe all the time.” The Belgian’s comments highlight a growing debate in the world of football analytics. While data and statistics can provide valuable insights, there is a recognition that they need to be interpreted and used carefully, with an understanding of the context and the broader picture.
One of the key strengths of De Bruyne’s game is his ability to play penetrating passes, make intelligent runs, and drive his team forward. These qualities may not always be fully captured by traditional statistics, but they are crucial to the way he impacts the game. “Football is not just about numbers,” De Bruyne has said. “It’s about creativity, vision, decision-making, and the ability to find solutions in the moment. Those are the qualities that make the game special, and that’s what I try to focus on in my own play.” Despite his outspoken views on the limitations of football analytics, De Bruyne is not dismissive of the role that data can play in the sport. He acknowledges that statistics can be useful tools, but he believes they should be used as part of a broader, more holistic approach to evaluating player performance.
“I’m not saying stats are useless,” he has said. “They can be helpful, but they shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all. The eye test is still important, and we need to look at the overall contribution a player makes to the team, not just their numbers.” As one of the most talented and influential players in the Premier League, De Bruyne’s perspective on the role of data in football is particularly valuable. His insights challenge us to think more critically about the way we evaluate and understand the game, and to recognize that there is more to football than just the numbers.
