Top five players with most key passes in Bundesliga 2022-23

These footballers played a key part in their team success

The 2022–23 Bundesliga season witnessed a fierce battle for supremacy, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund fighting tooth and nail for the coveted title. The title was decided on the very last matchday. Mainz 05 held Dortmund to a 2-2 draw, which eventually halted their title aspirations.

Bayern were able to snatch away the Bundesliga 2022-23 title in the blink of an eye from Dortmund just on goal difference after they won their respective games against FC Köln in the final few moments.

While goal-scoring strikers and rock-solid defenders often take centre stage, it's the midfield magicians who weave the fabric of creative brilliance on the field. In the captivating world of football, where every moment counts, the art of playmaking stands out as a spectacle of creativity and precision. Among the various facets that make a playmaker exceptional, the concept of the "key pass" shines brightest.

A key pass is usually an accurate and crucial pass that puts the receiving player in a favourable position to take a shot on goal, although it doesn't end up as a goal. Had the ball bulged into the back of the net, it would have counted as an assist. Football analysts and fans frequently refer to key pass statistics to gauge a player's creativity and offensive impact on the game.

In this article, we delve into the top five Bundesliga players who excelled in their ability to unlock defences and provide crucial goal-scoring opportunities through key passes in the 2022–23 season.

5. Florian Kainz (FC Köln) - 70 key passes

Rounding off our list is Florian Kainz, who might have finished fifth in the key pass chart, but his contributions were no less significant. The Austrian midfielder was the driving force behind FC Köln's attacking ambitions, orchestrating numerous scoring opportunities with his precise passing and creative spark.

With 70 key passes to his name, Kainz's impact was undeniable, underscoring his importance to the team's attacking dynamics. Kainz ended the 2022–23 season scoring four goals and providing 10 assists.

The 2019 January signing is very well trusted by the club, which is evident when they extended his contract up to 2025 this January. His ability to pick out the right pass at the right moment made him a pivotal figure in FC Köln's attacking playbook. His vision and technical finesse shone brightly, often unlocking the tightest of defences. The 30-year-old is the only player outside of a top-10 side to feature in this list, which makes it pretty remarkable in itself.

4. Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig) - 71 key passes

Dominik Szoboszlai, the young Hungarian talent, stamped his authority on the Bundesliga stage with a commendable tally of 71 key passes for RB Leipzig. Despite his tender age, the 22-year-old midfielder displayed remarkable composure and maturity in his playmaking responsibilities.

His flair for the extraordinary, combined with an eye for goal, made him a potent threat in all attacking phases, which is now being much sought after by Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool.

The midfielder's exceptional reading of the game allowed him to provide eight assists to his teammates. His six goals in 31 appearances also reflect his ability to capitalise on goal-scoring opportunities. With his flair for the spectacular and a strong work ethic, Szoboszlai showcased the potential to become a future superstar in the world of football, leaving Hungarian fans excited for what lies ahead.

3. Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund) - 73 key passes

Julian Brandt showcased his creative brilliance for Borussia Dortmund, finishing the season with 73 key passes to his credit. The 27-year-old German international dazzled fans with his close control, dribbling skills, and knack for unlocking stubborn defences. Whether through intricate through balls or precise crosses, Brandt's contributions were vital in Borussia Dortmund's quest for silverware, although his team ended second on goal difference.

Premier League clubs were looking for Brandt's signature, which was snubbed by the player when he penned a contract extension until 2026. Beyond his individual brilliance, Brandt's understanding of his attacking compatriots made Borussia Dortmund's frontline a force to be reckoned with. He consistently found the right channels to release the ball, which was rewarded by registering eight assists as well.

2. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) - 86 key passes

A midfield maestro for Bayern Munich, Joshua Kimmich proved once again why he is regarded as one of the finest playmakers in the world. With 86 key passes to his name, Kimmich's ability to dictate play from the centre of the park was crucial in Bayern's pursuit of yet another Bundesliga title. His impressive range of passing, combined with exceptional footballing intelligence, made him a constant threat in the final third and an indispensable asset for the Bavarian giants.

The 28-year-old German's ability to read the game and make split-second decisions earned him widespread admiration. The likes of Manchester City and Barcelona are reportedly keen to include him in their squads for the upcoming 2023–24 season. From majestic through balls to precise crosses, Kimmich's range of passing was a nightmare for opposition defenders. Beyond his creative exploits, he was also able to net five goals in the Bundesliga.

1. Jonas Hofmann (Borussia Mönchengladbach) - 99 key passes

The undisputed king of key passes in the 2022–23 Bundesliga season, Jonas Hofmann showcased an unparalleled ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for Borussia Mönchengladbach. With an astonishing tally of 99 key passes, Hofmann's vision and precision passing wreaked havoc on opposing defences throughout the campaign. The 30-year-old winger proved to be the heartbeat of his team's attacking unit, constantly threading the needle as his side finished tenth in the German league.

The German's impact was not limited to just key passes, as he also chipped in with 12 goals and nine assists, underscoring his all-rounded attacking prowess in the Bundesliga. His creative brilliance made Borussia Mönchengladbach a formidable force in the league, and his name resonated throughout the season as one of the finest playmakers in the Bundesliga.