The Lost Art of the Cross

So You Think You Can Cross?

Here's a great graphic from whoscored.com/blog:

Note that the numbers exclude corner kicks, and then note that not a single EPL team nor Bundesliga side appears.  To say nothing of the success rate - the best crosser in Europe connects with his target just a shade over 40% of the time, with the highest number of connected crosses per game at 1.22, on average.  In 90 minutes, the best in the game connect on less than 1.5 crosses per game.

Says a lot about defending, for sure.

Says a lot about why David Beckham can still play at a high level.

Says a lot about why a player who can serve with legitimate accuracy, pass well and defend moderately well can get scholarship dollars.  If only more players spent the necessary time (5-10 minutes a day, maybe less if there's someone to help shag the balls) to master serving from wide areas...