Not all assists are created equal—data reveals which types of passes generate the highest-quality goal-scoring opportunities in modern football.
The Hierarchy of Assists
A through ball that puts a striker clean through on goal generates an xG of 0.34—nearly three times higher than a cross into the box (0.12). Yet crosses account for 38% of all assists while through balls make up just 14%. This disparity reveals an inefficiency in attacking play: teams over-rely on crosses when through balls create significantly better chances.
Assist Types and Their xG Value
| Assist Type | % of All Assists | Avg xG Generated | Conversion Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Ball | 14% | 0.34 | 28% |
| Cutback | 11% | 0.28 | 24% |
| Low Cross | 18% | 0.15 | 14% |
| High Cross | 20% | 0.09 | 8% |
| Set Piece Delivery | 16% | 0.11 | 10% |
| Square Pass in Box | 12% | 0.22 | 20% |
The Through Ball Premium
Through balls are the most valuable type of assist because they bypass the entire defensive structure. A successful through ball puts the attacker in a 1v1 situation with the goalkeeper, the highest-xG scenario in open play. The challenge is execution—through balls require exceptional vision, timing, and passing weight. Only 23% of attempted through balls reach the intended target.
The Most Prolific Assist Providers
- Kevin De Bruyne — 14 assists in 2025-26, highest xG generated per assist at 0.28
- Trent Alexander-Arnold — 12 assists, predominantly from crosses and set pieces
- Vinicius Jr — 11 assists, mostly cutbacks and through balls from the left
- Lamine Yamal — 14 assists, the most diverse assist portfolio in Europe
How Assist Quality Varies by League
La Liga produces the highest-quality assists (average xG of 0.19 per assist), followed by the Premier League (0.17) and Bundesliga (0.16). This reflects La Liga's emphasis on intricate build-up play that creates cleaner chances, compared to the Premier League's higher volume of lower-quality crossing assists. Serie A's tactical discipline means fewer assists overall but higher conversion rates on the chances created.
The Evolution of the Assist
Assists have evolved significantly over the past decade. The percentage of assists coming from crosses has decreased from 44% to 38%, while through balls and cutbacks have both increased. This shift reflects tactical evolution toward playing through teams rather than around them, as well as improved pressing that makes crossing under pressure less effective than threading passes through the defensive structure.