Arsenal's Midfield Controls the Ball Where It Counts
Arsenal’s midfield pair Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have made the most successful passes in the attacking third of the Champions League so far this season, according to statistics compiled after the third round of league-phase matches. Odegaard leads with 102 such passes, while Rice sits second with 89, giving the Premier League club a clear edge in the area of the pitch where attacks are built and finished.
The statistic, from the data provider whoscored, measures completed passes made in the final third, the zone closest to the opponent’s goal. It is a useful indicator of which teams can sustain pressure and create chances rather than simply defend. For Arsenal, the numbers underline a midfield that is comfortable on the ball in advanced areas, with Odegaard’s creativity and Rice’s driving runs both contributing to the total.
Behind the Arsenal pair, Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich ranks third with 88 successful passes in the attacking third. Kimmich, a long-standing fixture in Bayern’s midfield, is known for his range of passing and his ability to keep his team moving forward. His presence near the top of the list reflects Bayern’s possession-heavy style under their current setup.
Fourth place belongs to Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart with 86, a notable showing for a player at a club that is not among the traditional Champions League favorites. Stiller’s inclusion suggests that smart, progressive passing can come from teams outside the biggest spending brackets. Jens Petter Hauge of Bodo/Glimt completes the top five with 79, another reminder that the Norwegian side’s adventurous approach is producing measurable output.
The ranking is a snapshot after just three rounds of the new league phase, which replaced the old group stage and gives each team eight matches against different opponents. Early-season numbers can shift quickly as fixtures become harder and rotation increases. Still, the list offers an early look at which midfields are setting the tempo in Europe’s elite competition.
For Arsenal, the statistic will be read alongside results. The club has invested heavily in its midfield in recent seasons, and having two players at the top of this particular table suggests the plan is translating into control of matches. Odegaard, the captain, remains the chief creator, while Rice’s development as a box-to-box presence has added another dimension.
Bayern and Stuttgart will also take encouragement. Kimmich’s placement shows he remains central to Bayern’s attacking build-up, and Stiller’s fourth place may raise his profile further. Bodo/Glimt’s Hauge, meanwhile, represents the kind of breakout story that the expanded competition was designed to showcase.
The next round of Champions League matches will test whether these passing patterns hold. Arsenal face stronger opposition as the league phase progresses, and teams that press aggressively can disrupt even the most composed midfield. How Odegaard, Rice and their rivals adapt will determine whether this early statistical lead turns into a lasting advantage.