Based on data provided by German analytics company Impect, the CIES Football Observatory has produced a global overview of "ball-friendliest teams" in world football. To address what is inherently a subjective concept, the study relies on four key indicators: pass proximity (the shorter, the better), passing tempo during possession phases, average possession duration, and the percentage of balls received on the ground in the attacking third. Among 915 teams from 58 leagues, Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich record the highest overall score, underlining the German champions’ distinctly proactive playing philosophy. They finish ahead of Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain, with Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona completing the podium — a hierarchy that comes as little surprise. More noteworthy is the presence just behind them of Bayer Leverkusen, now led by Kasper Hjulmand, followed by MLS side Columbus Crew, coached by Wilfried Nancy until December, ahead of Denmark’s FC Nordsjælland and French Ligue 2 outfit AS Saint-Étienne. The top 20 also features Bodø/Glimt and Elche CF, reinforcing the idea that this study highlights clubs and coaches with strongly identifiable playing models.
Of the 915 teams in the 58 leagues analysed by CIES Football Observatory, the highest score was recorded for Bayern Munich of Vincent Kompany / ©Icon Sport