Using Opta data for assists in the Premier League, Kickdex made this straightforward chart to look at where assists typically come from on the field.
It is clear that to rack up the assists, a direct style isn’t the way to go. Only 14% of all assists come from long balls, and 29% from crosses (many of which are also classified as long balls). Over two thirds of all assists are short, precision passes made from just in front of the box and wide within the box. – See more at: http://blog.kickdex.com/post/56157934804/the-perfect-assist#sthash.lwE8wHgc.dpuf
As you might expect, most of the passes are aimed towards the goal. [via The Daily Viz]
