Football has evolved tremendously in the last decade. With tactical revolutions, the introduction of inverted full-backs, and a greater reliance on data-driven strategies, modern teams are now meticulously analyzing every aspect of the game. Among these, crossing remains one of the most critical yet underappreciated skills in football. Delivering a perfect cross is difficult, as it requires precision, timing, and an understanding of teammates’ movements. The players who can consistently execute these crosses are highly valuable, turning wide positions into lethal attacking opportunities.

This article explores the best crossers in football 2024, ranking them from 10th to 1st based on assists, successful crosses, chance creation, and reputation in the footballing world.

Ranking Factors

Before diving into the list, it is important to understand the factors used to rank these players:

• Assists — The ability to set up a teammate for a goal directly from a cross.
• Successful Crosses — Statistics tracking how often a player delivers an accurate and effective cross, even if it doesn’t result in a goal.
• Chance Creation — The overall ability of a player to create goal-scoring opportunities per 90 minutes.
• Reputation — Recognition from pundits, fans, and football experts regarding a player’s crossing skill.

With these criteria, the list captures both statistical data and the subjective skill level of elite footballers.

10. Alex Baena — Villarreal

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Villarreal has been one of the surprise performers in La Liga this season, currently sitting fourth after 13 matches behind Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid. One of their standout players has been Alex Baena, who has scored twice and registered five assists in the league.

At just 23, Baena’s creativity is already a major asset. His expected assists per 90 stand at 0.45, the best in La Liga, surpassing even legends like Luka Modric. His crossing statistics are equally impressive, with 2.62 successful crosses per 90, placing him in the top 2% of the league. Baena has created 4.07 chances per 90, making him the most dangerous left midfielder in Spain this season.

Alex Baena — 2024/25 La Liga Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created4.07100%Successful Crosses2.6298%Cross Accuracy35.5%77%

9. Dwight McNeil — Everton

Dwight McNeil continues to fly under the radar despite being one of the Premier League’s most effective wide players. Everton have struggled offensively this season, scoring only 10 goals in 12 games, yet McNeil has been involved in 60% of them.

Operating in Sean Dyche’s direct style of play, McNeil delivers crucial crosses from wide areas. He has created 2.76 chances per 90, placing him in the top 8% of the Premier League, and boasts 3.13 successful crosses per 90 — the highest in the league. His cross accuracy of 42% ranks him in the top 10%, proving he is vital to Everton’s survival this season.

Dwight McNeil — 2024/25 Premier League Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created2.7692%Successful Crosses3.13100%Cross Accuracy42%91%

8. Antonee Robinson — Fulham

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Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has become a reliable left-back in the Premier League. At 27, he is aiming for a spot in the United States’ starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup.

Robinson has recorded three assists so far and made 1.25 successful crosses per 90, placing him in the top 17% of the Premier League. With a cross accuracy of 74%, he consistently provides quality deliveries from wide positions.

Antonee Robinson — 2024/25 Premier League Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created0.9260%Successful Crosses1.2583%Cross Accuracy30%74%

7. Arda Guler — Real Madrid

Turkish midfielder Arda Guler shone at Euro 2024, helping Turkey reach the quarter-finals. In five matches, he directly contributed to three goals. Guler’s crossing ability is exceptional; he completed 1.84 successful crosses per 90 during the tournament, outperforming 91% of his positional peers.

At Real Madrid, he is gradually establishing himself as a starter in the 2024/25 campaign, showing a combination of creativity, vision, and precise ball delivery.

Arda Guler — Euro 2024 Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created2.1172%Successful Crosses1.8491%Cross Accuracy26.9%62%

6. Bukayo Saka — Arsenal

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Since his first-team debut in 2019, Bukayo Saka has grown into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wingers. A constant goal threat, he is also highly creative with his crossing ability.

In the 2024/25 season, Saka averages 1.89 successful crosses per 90 and 3.18 chances created, placing him in the top 94% and 96% of the league, respectively. His ability to cut inside onto his preferred left foot while delivering precise crosses makes him indispensable for Arsenal.

Bukayo Saka — 2024/25 Premier League Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created3.1896%Successful Crosses1.8994%Cross Accuracy32.2%83%

5. Nico Williams — Athletic Club

Nico Williams played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Known for his explosive pace and skillful dribbling, Williams is also a highly underrated crosser.

During the tournament, he averaged 1.82 successful crosses per 90, outperforming 90% of left-wingers. Combined with his ability to beat defenders, Williams is extremely difficult to contain in wide positions.

Nico Williams — Euro 2024 Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created2.3684%Successful Crosses1.8290%Cross Accuracy30.3%70%

4. Pascal Gross — Borussia Dortmund

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Pascal Gross recently transferred from Brighton & Hove Albion to Borussia Dortmund. Renowned for his crossing ability, Gross is capable of creating opportunities both from central and wide areas.

During the 2023/24 season in the Premier League, Gross made 2.57 successful crosses per 90 — the highest for midfielders. He created 2.98 chances per 90, ranking in the top 2% of all midfielders, demonstrating his elite creative ability.

Pascal Gross — 2023/24 Premier League Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created2.9898%Successful Crosses2.57100%Cross Accuracy37.4%89%

3. Alejandro Grimaldo — Bayer Leverkusen

Alejandro Grimaldo helped Bayer Leverkusen claim their first Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso, contributing 20 assists in all competitions. The left-wing back is a creative force and a consistent threat from wide areas.

In the 2024/25 season, Grimaldo created 3.28 chances per 90 and made 3.19 successful crosses per 90, placing him in the top 8% for both metrics. His cross accuracy of 39.8% underscores his consistent threat.

Alejandro Grimaldo — 2024/25 Bundesliga Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created3.2897%Successful Crosses3.19100%Cross Accuracy39.8%92%

2. James Ward-Prowse — West Ham United

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James Ward-Prowse is widely recognized as one of the best set-piece takers in the Premier League. His pinpoint delivery from corners and free-kicks has consistently created goals.

In the 2023/24 season, he averaged 1.92 successful crosses per 90, ranking better than 96% of his peers. With 12 assists in all competitions, Ward-Prowse proves that set-pieces and crossing can be game-changing elements.

James Ward-Prowse — 2023/24 Premier League Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created1.9265%Successful Crosses1.9296%Cross Accuracy33.9%95%

1. Joshua Kimmich — Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich is a versatile German international capable of excelling as a defensive midfielder or full-back. His crossing ability is underrated but deadly, delivering 2.68 successful crosses per 90 — the best in the Bundesliga.

He also leads in chance creation with 2.97 per 90, placing him in the top percentile of players. Kimmich’s ability to create opportunities in various situations makes him a crucial playmaker for Bayern Munich.

Joshua Kimmich — 2023/24 Bundesliga Chance Creation

MetricPer 90Percentile RankChances Created2.97100%Successful Crosses2.68100%Cross Accuracy33.3%84%

The best crossers in football 2024 are not just wingers or full-backs — they are playmakers, set-piece specialists, and versatile midfielders. From Alex Baena’s rise at Villarreal to Joshua Kimmich’s dominance in Germany, these players combine precision, vision, and creativity to turn wide areas into scoring opportunities.

FAQ

Who is considered the best crosser in football 2024?

Kevin De Bruyne is ranked as the best crosser in football 2024, known for his vision, precision, and chance creation.

Which young players feature among the top crossers in 2024?

Arda Guler, Nico Williams, and Alex Baena are standout young talents recognized for their crossing ability.

How is crossing ability measured in football?

Crossing ability is assessed using metrics like successful crosses per 90, cross accuracy, and chances created.