Championship Playmakers: Analyzing Chance Creation and Dribbling Skills

3rd March 2025

The English Championship continues to showcase some of the most talented attacking midfielders and wingers outside the Premier League. Recent data through match week 35 of the 2024-25 season reveals fascinating insights into which players excel at creating chances and beating defenders.

Pass-First Creators Leading the Way

Bristol City‘s Scott Twine stands out as the Championship’s premier chance creator, generating an impressive 2.5+ chances per 90 minutes while maintaining modest dribbling numbers. Middlesbrough‘s Azaz follows closely behind, creating approximately 2.4 chances per 90. Norwich City‘s Emi Marcondes shows similar creative tendencies with fewer dribbles.

The Direct Dribble Merchants

The lower-right quadrant showcases the Championship’s most aggressive ball-carriers – players who excel at taking on defenders. Norwich City‘s Borja Sainz features here, his 1-on-1 ability has helped him reach the top of the scoring charts.

Complete Attacking Threats

Leeds United‘s Manor Solomon emerges as one of the Championship’s most dynamic dribblers, combining approximately 2.1 chances created with 2.5+ successful dribbles per 90 minutes. This dual threat makes him particularly valuable to Leeds’ promotion push.

West Brom‘s Johnston and Burnley‘s Koleosho also sit in this category with approximately 2.5 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, making them constant threats in one-on-one situations despite creating fewer chances for teammates.

What This Tells Us About Championship Teams

Teams with players in the top-right quadrant possess the most versatile attacking weapons capable of both creating for teammates and beating defenders individually. Bristol City, Middlesbrough, and Leeds United particularly benefit from having players who excel in these areas.

As the Championship promotion race intensifies beyond week 35, these creative forces will likely play decisive roles in determining which clubs secure Premier League football for the 2025-26 season.