Key Pass
A pass that directly leads to a shot attempt by a teammate, excluding assists. For Liverpool’s creative midfielders, key passes measure the ability to unlock defenses through final-third distribution. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister differ in how they generate these chances: Szoboszlai tends to create from wide areas and through balls, while Mac Allister operates from deeper zones with vertical passes into the box.
Through Ball
A pass played into space behind the defensive line for a runner. Szoboszlai attempts more through balls per 90 minutes than any other Liverpool midfielder, often targeting runs from Mohamed Salah or the inside channels. Mac Allister uses through balls selectively, preferring to combine before releasing.
Progressive Pass
A forward pass that moves the ball at least 10 yards toward the opponent’s goal or into the penalty area. Mac Allister is among the more active midfielders in the Premier League for progressive passes per game, reflecting his role as a deep-lying playmaker under Arne Slot. Szoboszlai’s progressive passes come from higher positions, often after receiving on the half-turn.
Expected Assists (xA)
A metric estimating the likelihood that a pass will become an assist based on shot location and type. Mac Allister’s xA per 90 has shown an increase since moving to a more advanced role in Slot’s system, while Szoboszlai’s xA remains consistent across both central and wide positions. Neither player consistently overperforms their xA, suggesting finishing quality around them is a factor.
Shot-Creating Actions (SCA)
The number of offensive actions directly leading to a shot, including passes, dribbles, and fouls won. Szoboszlai leads Liverpool midfielders in SCA per 90, driven by his willingness to take on defenders and draw fouls in dangerous areas. Mac Allister creates shots more through passing sequences than individual dribbles.
Goal-Creating Actions (GCA)
The two offensive actions directly leading to a goal, such as a pass and a dribble. Both midfielders have similar GCA rates, but Szoboszlai’s come more from open-play crosses, while Mac Allister’s often involve set-piece deliveries or second-phase passes.
Deep Completions
Completed passes within 20 yards of the opponent’s goal. Mac Allister is a frequent contributor among Liverpool midfielders in deep completions, reflecting his ability to receive between the lines and distribute quickly. Szoboszlai’s deep completions are more concentrated near the right half-space, where he links with Alexander-Arnold and Salah.
Final Third Passes
Passes completed in the attacking third. Szoboszlai attempts more final-third passes per 90, but Mac Allister has a higher completion rate, indicating a safer but more reliable distribution style. The difference reflects their roles: Szoboszlai as a risk-taker, Mac Allister as a controller.
Passes into the Penalty Area
Passes that enter the 18-yard box. Szoboszlai’s crosses from the right flank account for a significant share of his penalty-area entries. Mac Allister’s passes into the box are more often through central channels, targeting runners like Darwin Núñez or late-arriving midfielders.
Crosses
A pass from a wide area into the box, usually aimed at a target. Szoboszlai delivers more crosses per 90 than any other Liverpool midfielder, often from deep positions. Mac Allister rarely crosses, preferring to cut inside or combine.
Switch of Play
A long diagonal pass to change the point of attack. Mac Allister executes switches of play with high accuracy, often to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right. Szoboszlai’s switches are less frequent but more vertical, targeting runners in behind.
Dribbles Completed
Successful take-ons past an opponent. Szoboszlai completes more dribbles per 90 than Mac Allister, using his acceleration to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. Mac Allister relies more on body feints and close control in tight spaces.
Touches in the Box
The number of times a player touches the ball inside the opponent’s penalty area. Szoboszlai records more touches in the box, often arriving late as a runner. Mac Allister’s touches in the box are lower but more purposeful, usually involving a layoff or shot.
Pressing Actions
Defensive actions in the opponent’s half, including tackles and interceptions. Both midfielders press aggressively, but Mac Allister has a higher success rate, often reading passes before they are played. Szoboszlai covers more ground but can be bypassed by quick combinations.
Recoveries in Final Third
Regaining possession within 20 yards of the opponent’s goal. Mac Allister is a prominent figure among Liverpool midfielders in final-third recoveries, a key feature of Slot’s counter-pressing system. Szoboszlai’s recoveries occur more in midfield zones.
Assists
A direct pass leading to a goal. Both players have similar assist numbers, but Szoboszlai’s assists often come from crosses or through balls, while Mac Allister’s are more varied, including set pieces and short passes.
Secondary Assists (Hockey Assists)
The pass before the assist. In Slot’s system, secondary assists are valued because they show involvement in build-up. Mac Allister tends to record more secondary assists, reflecting his role in initiating attacks.
Pass Completion Rate
The percentage of passes completed. Mac Allister consistently posts a higher completion rate (often above 85%), while Szoboszlai’s rate dips slightly due to riskier passes. The difference is stylistic, not a measure of quality.
Long Passes
Passes over 30 yards. Mac Allister attempts more long passes, often switching play or finding runners in behind. Szoboszlai’s long passes are rarer but more targeted, usually aimed at the opposite flank.
Short Passes
Passes under 10 yards. Both midfielders have high short-pass completion rates, but Mac Allister’s volume is higher, reflecting his role as a possession hub.
Through Ball Completion Rate
The percentage of through balls that reach a teammate. Szoboszlai has a lower completion rate but creates more high-danger chances. Mac Allister’s through balls are more conservative but more likely to succeed.
Box Entries
The number of times a player enters the opponent’s penalty area with the ball. Szoboszlai leads Liverpool midfielders in box entries, often driving from the right half-space. Mac Allister enters the box less frequently but with more intent to shoot or combine.
Creative Actions per 90
A composite metric combining key passes, through balls, and dribbles. Szoboszlai scores higher in creative actions per 90, but Mac Allister’s actions have a higher average xA, meaning his chances are more dangerous.
What to Check When Analyzing Key Pass Data
- Sample size: Key pass rates fluctuate over short periods; a minimum of 10 matches provides more reliable data.
- Team context: Liverpool’s attacking system under Arne Slot influences individual metrics—wingers and full-backs also generate key passes.
- Opposition quality: Creative metrics often drop against low-block defenses, regardless of the midfielder.
- Positional role: Mac Allister’s deeper role means lower raw key pass numbers but higher efficiency; Szoboszlai’s advanced role inflates volume.
- Finishing variance: A midfielder’s key pass count can spike or drop based on whether teammates convert chances.
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