This formula standardizes creative output to a "per match" basis (90 minutes). It allows for fair comparison between a player who played 3,000 minutes and one who played 1,500 minutes, highlighting efficiency rather than just volume.
Assists Per 90 Minutes (A/90) is a metric that calculates the average number of goal-creating passes a player makes for every 90 minutes played. It is the creative equivalent of the "Goals Per 90" stat for strikers.
Why "Total Assists" Can Be Misleading
Ranking players by total assists heavily favors those who play every minute of every game. It penalizes:
Impact Substitutes: Players who come on late and create chances against tired legs.
Rotated Squad Players: Elite creators who share minutes (e.g., in a deep Man City squad).
Injured Stars: Players like Kevin De Bruyne might miss half a season but still be the most dangerous creator when fit.
A/90 levels the playing field, showing statistical efficiency rather than just volume.
Player A has more assists, but Player B is providing assists at double the rate. For a manager needing a goal in the last 20 minutes, Player B is statistically the more potent weapon.
Benchmarks: What Makes an Elite Creator?
Assist rates are generally lower than goal rates, as creating a goal requires both a good pass and a good finish. Benchmarks for attacking midfielders/wingers include:
0.50+ (World Class): An assist every two games. This is the realm of Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi, or Thomas Müller in their primes. Exceptionally rare over a full season.
0.35 - 0.49 (Elite): Top-tier playmaker. A consistent threat who leads league charts.
0.20 - 0.34 (Good): A solid creative contributor. Standard for good wingers or attacking midfielders.
Below 0.15: Average or Low. Typical for deeper midfielders or defensive players whose role isn't the final ball.
The "Finishing" Variable (Why xA is Better)
The biggest flaw in "Assists Per 90" is that it depends on the striker finishing the chance. A player can play the perfect pass (high xA), but if the striker misses an open goal, the creator gets 0 assists.
Scenario:
Player X passes to a world-class striker who scores from 30 yards. Player X gets an assist for a simple 5-yard pass.
Player Y puts a pass on a plate for a struggling striker who misses from 2 yards. Player Y gets no assist.
This is why modern analysts prefer Expected Assists (xA) Per 90, which measures the quality of the pass regardless of whether the shot goes in. However, A/90 remains the standard for historical comparisons and factual results.
Context: Position and Role
When using this calculator, context is king:
Full-backs: Modern full-backs (like Trent Alexander-Arnold) can have A/90 stats rivaling wingers. This is hugely valuable as it adds creativity from the back line.
Set Pieces: Players who take corners and free kicks have naturally inflated A/90 stats compared to those who rely solely on open play.
League Strength: An A/90 of 0.6 in a lower league may not translate to 0.6 in the Premier League or Champions League due to tighter defenses.
Assists vs. Key Passes vs. Big Chances Created
To fully judge creativity, A/90 should be viewed alongside other metrics:
Key Passes (Chance Created)
A "Key Pass" is the final pass leading to a shot at goal, regardless of whether it goes in. Key Passes Per 90 measures volume of creation. A player with high Key Passes but low Assists is suffering from poor finishing by teammates.
Big Chances Created
A "Big Chance" is a situation where a player should reasonably be expected to score (e.g., 1v1 or open goal). Creating Big Chances is more valuable than accumulating low-quality Key Passes. Elite creators typically top the Big Chances Created charts.
Strategies to Improve Assist Output
Improving from a "good" player to a "creative force" involves specific skills:
1. Scanning (Vision)
The best playmakers (like Ødegaard or Fernandes) scan the field hundreds of times per game. Knowing where runners are before receiving the ball allows for first-time passes that catch defenses off guard.
2. Weight of Pass
The difference between a good pass and an assist is often the "weight" (speed). A through-ball must be fast enough to beat the defender but slow enough for the striker to control without breaking stride.
3. Understanding Movement
Build chemistry with strikers. Learn if they prefer ball-to-feet or space-to-run. Anticipating their movement is key to timing the release.
4. Set Piece delivery
Mastering corners and free-kicks is the "cheat code" for high assist numbers. Precise delivery into the "corridor of uncertainty" earns 5-10 "easy" assists a season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about assist statistics
Does winning a penalty count as an assist?
In "Fantasy Football" (FPL), yes. In official Opta records? No. Official assists are only for the final pass. If a player is fouled for a penalty, they usually get "fantasy assist" points but no official assist stat. This calculator is neutral but typically designed for official stats (Opta style).
What about deflected passes?
If a pass takes a slight deflection but the "destination" was still the scorer, it is usually given as an assist. If the deflection significantly alters the path, it is not. Rules vary slightly by league data provider.
Is 'Secondary Assist' included?
No. Secondary assists (the "pass before the pass", or hockey assist) are not counted in standard assist totals. They are valuable metrics called "Pre-Assists" or "Shot Creating Actions" but reside in deeper analytics.
What is a good sample size?
Like goals per 90, aim for at least 500-1,000 minutes. A player with 1 assist in 10 minutes has an A/90 of 9.00, which is meaningless noise.
How does xA differ from actual Assists?
Actual assists rely on the striker scoring. xA (Expected Assists) measures the quality of the pass itself. If you pass to a player who has an open goal (0.9 xG) and they miss, you get 0.9 xA but 0 assists. Over time, xA is a better predictor of future creative performance.
Who holds the record for most assists in a season?
Records vary by league, but notable benchmarks include Thomas Müller (21 in Bundesliga), Lionel Messi (21 in La Liga), and Kevin De Bruyne/Thierry Henry (20 in Premier League). These players typically maintained A/90 rates above 0.50 throughout entire seasons.
Do goalkeepers get assists?
Rarely, but yes. A long punt (route one) that lands for a striker to score counts as an assist. Alisson Becker and Ederson have both registered assists in the Premier League. Their A/90 is negligible but non-zero.
Are assists from corners worth less?
Statistically, an assist is an assist. However, scouts often separate "Open Play Assists" from "Set Piece Assists" because open play creativity is harder to replicate and considered more valuable for general play.
Why are my A/90 higher than my G/90?
This is common for creators (No. 10s, Wingers). It defines your role. If your A/90 is 0.4 and G/90 is 0.1, you are a pure playmaker. If both are 0.4, you are a dual-threat forward.
Usage of this Calculator
Who Should Use This Calculator?
ScoutsIdentify creative talents who may be undervalued due to lack of playing time.
Fantasy ManagersFind differential picks (midfielders) who create points efficiently.
CoachesEvaluate which players are most efficient at unlocking defenses per minute played.
FansSettle debates about who is truly the "Creative King" of the league.
Summary
The Assists Per 90 Calculator provides a clear, standardized view of a player's creative output.
By removing the bias of minutes played, it allows for accurate comparison between starters and squad players, highlighting true playmaking efficiency.
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Calculate average assists per 90 minutes to measure playmaking efficiency regardless of minutes played.
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Frequently asked questions
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Are the results from Football Assists per 90 Calculator accurate?
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