EPL Awards: Premier League’s top five pass masters

Passing ability. Everyone wants it. Few have it. As Barcelona have shown us in the last decade, if you have control of the ball, theres not much your opponents can do.In the fiercely competitive arenas of the Premier League, tiki-taka is not commonplace, but being able to call upon the services of players that can retain possession is always vital.Those that rack up the most passes are not necessarily the most flamboyant of individuals, as many are fielded in a holding role and often play simple balls rather than defence splitting cross field efforts, but their influence on a team should not be underestimated.Seeing as itsSquawka awards season, weve taken a look back at the top five passers throughout the 2013/14 Premier League season, in regards to the highest number of total successful passes. Good luck getting the ball back of this bunch.

#5 Cheick Tiot (1800)

Although the Magpies’ season fizzled out after they ensured their safety, which led to the side being lambasted despite securing a top 10 finish, Tiote controlled their midfield ranks well. The combative Ivorian is far from the most creative or skilful player at the club, but he keeps the team ticking in the centre of the park.

His average passing length of 17 metres highlights how he does not opt for the spectacular very often but he is accomplished on the ball and recycles the ball with ease. However, his indiscipline is a problem, with 10 yellow cards to his name he can often overstep the mark and is not wholly reliable. With the right midfield partner next to him, Tiote could forge a formidable partnership if the balance between attack and defence can be found.