Dribbling actions have increased dramatically in the Premier League over the past few years.
As part of an in-depth article on the topic for The Athletic, John Muller reports that dribbling actions are up more than 30 percent in the Premier League since the 18-19 season.
The Champions League has been slower to catch up, but dribbling actions are up to 14 per match from 11 over most of the past five years.
During the group stage of the Premier League, La Real’s playmaker Takefusa Kubo and PSV’s human espresso shot Johan Bakayoko had the most dribbling actions.
“Today, without players who dribble, you can’t do anything,” Pep Guardiola said a few years ago. “Attacking a team parked in front of goal without players who dribble and give you superiority out wide is impossible.”