Top five players with most possession won in 2024

Football players believe that possession of the ball leads to success. Teams that exhibit higher possession rates are often perceived to have greater control over the game. This control enables them to dictate the tempo of play, advance the ball into more strategic positions on the field, and enhance their opportunities for scoring goals.

Another argument is that keeping possession of the ball shortens the opponent’s time on it, hence reducing their chances of scoring goals. Each team features a player who serves as a possession winner, restoring control to the game.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the top five players who won the most possessions in 2024.

5. Bruno Guimaraes - 222

Guimaraes has evolved into a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, providing motivation, creativity, goals, and assists for Newcastle United. His exceptional ability to regain possession is reflected in his impressive statistics, highlighting his status as a remarkable player.

When faced with spatial constraints, Guimaraes is capable of managing the ball independently and, importantly, he tends to survey the field ahead upon receiving it. In the Premier League, he is ranked third for the number of passes executed while under pressure. Generally, he demonstrates superior composure compared to his competitors.

4. Luis Milla - 224

Luis Milla maintained his exceptional performance for his team in 2024, winning 224 possessions. He has been enjoying an outstanding individual season, exerting control in the midfield with his impressive work rate during matches. This comes in spite of his team, Getafe, currently sitting in 17th place in the LaLiga standings.

3. Moises Caicedo - 231

Moises Caicedo of Chelsea secured the third position among Premier League players for the most possessions won in 2024. Upon his arrival at Chelsea last season, Caicedo experienced a rather slow beginning. Nevertheless, he has been progressively rising in prominence since his integration into the team.

This season, he has undoubtedly established himself as Chelsea's most outstanding and dependable player thus far. Caicedo plays a major role in his team's enhanced performance this season in comparison to the previous one, as they currently occupy the fourth position in the Premier League standings.

2. Lewis Cook - 232

Lewis Cook serves as a defensive midfielder for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. Since the beginning of 2024, both Cook and Ryan Christie have distinguished themselves as leading possession winners in the league. Their contributions have been vital for the Cherries this season as they strive to secure a top-four finish, which would grant them entry into the Champions League for the upcoming season.

1. Ryan Christie - 248

Ryan Christie has demonstrated his tenacity as a midfielder for Bournemouth this season. While he is currently achieving impressive pressing statistics, he continues to showcase the elegant touches that have consistently defined his playing style. 

In 2024, he not only ranks third for the pressure he exerts on opponents and first for the frequency with which he secures possession in the middle third, but he also stands among the top 10 players across the top five leagues this year for generating high turnovers and making interceptions that lead to scoring opportunities.

Cover Credits - Goal.com