Jack Moylan Among League One Elite For Smart Passes

Creativity in League One is not always about assists or key passes. Sometimes, the most important contribution is the pass before the chance, the disguised ball that suddenly opens a defence.

Wyscout defines a smart pass as: “A creative and penetrative pass that attempts to break the opposition’s defensive lines to gain a significant advantage in attack.”

In simple terms, these are the difficult passes. Through balls into tight spaces, disguised forward passes between defenders, or inventive deliveries that suddenly shift a defence out of shape. Players who rank highly for smart passes are often the ones capable of seeing opportunities others cannot.

For us, Jack Moylan’s inclusion immediately makes sense. Throughout our title-winning campaign, Moylan regularly operated in pockets between the lines, turning possession into penetration with quick thinking and clever movement. In a side that scored 89 league goals, that kind of creativity mattered enormously.

Below are the top ten players in League One for smart passes per 90 during the 2025/26 season, as per Wyscout.

10. Ruari Paton, Port Vale, 0.36 per 90

Ruari Paton’s inclusion highlights how inventive he could be in possession, even within a struggling Port Vale side. Averaging 0.36 smart passes per 90, the Irish attacker consistently looked for progressive options rather than safe circulation.

Operating as both a forward and attacking midfielder, Paton often attempted risky passes into dangerous areas. His smaller sample size means caution is required when comparing him directly with players operating across full campaigns, but the technical quality is still obvious.

For a team near the bottom of the table, moments of creativity like his were especially valuable.

9. Jamie Mullins, Wycombe Wanderers, 0.37 per 90

Jamie Mullins quietly developed into an important creative presence for Wycombe during the campaign. The 21-year-old midfielder averaged 0.37 smart passes per 90 across more than 2,100 minutes, which suggests genuine consistency rather than a short burst of form.

Mullins appeared comfortable receiving possession in central areas before looking forward quickly. Rather than simply recycling the ball, he regularly attempted to progress attacks through compact defensive structures.

At his age, that willingness to play aggressively with possession is encouraging.

8. Jack Moylan, Lincoln City, 0.37 per 90

Jack Moylan’s inclusion will not surprise anyone who watched us during 2025/26. The Irish attacking midfielder consistently found ways to unlock packed defences, averaging 0.37 smart passes per 90 across 31 appearances.

Moylan’s biggest strength is probably his awareness of movement around him. He rarely needs extra touches before spotting runners or identifying space between defenders, allowing attacks to accelerate quickly.

Within our attacking structure, he often became the player capable of turning territorial dominance into genuine penetration.

7. Julian Larsson, Burton Albion, 0.38 per 90

Julian Larsson’s numbers stand out given Burton Albion’s difficult season. Despite operating in a struggling side, the Swedish midfielder still averaged 0.38 smart passes per 90.

Larsson regularly looked to play forward early, particularly from central attacking areas where he could exploit transitional moments. His willingness to attempt difficult passes separated him from safer possession-focused midfielders.

For Burton, players capable of creating moments of unpredictability were often essential.

6. Caleb Watts, Plymouth Argyle, 0.38 per 90

Caleb Watts combined energy and creativity throughout Plymouth’s campaign. The versatile attacker averaged 0.38 smart passes per 90 while operating across multiple advanced roles.

Watts’ movement helped create passing angles, but his decision-making in possession was equally important. Rather than forcing low-percentage actions constantly, he generally picked moments carefully before attempting penetrative balls into dangerous spaces.

That balance between risk and control helped make him an effective attacking contributor.

5. Duncan Watmore, Rotherham United, 0.40 per 90

Duncan Watmore’s inclusion reflects the intelligence that has defined much of his career. Even in a difficult season for Rotherham, the experienced attacker continued to find creative solutions in possession.

Watmore averaged 0.40 smart passes per 90 despite limited minutes, showing an ability to quickly identify gaps within defensive structures. His movement and awareness often allowed him to receive possession facing forward, making progressive passing easier.

Although injuries have interrupted parts of his career, his football intelligence remains obvious.

4. Rubin Colwill, Cardiff City, 0.41 per 90

Rubin Colwill’s technical quality helped Cardiff City secure automatic promotion during an impressive campaign. The Welsh midfielder averaged 0.41 smart passes per 90 across more than 2,600 minutes, combining creativity with consistency.

At 6ft 4in, Colwill remains unusual stylistically because he blends physical presence with delicate technical ability. His passing range allowed Cardiff to break lines quickly, particularly against teams defending in compact shapes.

Importantly, he maintained those numbers over a substantial sample size within a successful side.

3. Kasey Palmer, Luton Town, 0.41 per 90

Kasey Palmer has always been a naturally inventive footballer, and his smart passing numbers reinforce that reputation. The Luton Town midfielder consistently looked to disrupt defensive structures with quick combinations and disguised forward balls.

Palmer’s ability to receive possession in tight areas before turning quickly made him especially dangerous between the lines. Once facing goal, he regularly attempted penetrative passes others might avoid.

When fully fit and confident, he remains one of the division’s most naturally creative players.

2. George Byers, Port Vale, 0.42 per 90

George Byers brought composure and progression to Port Vale’s midfield during his appearances this season. Averaging 0.42 smart passes per 90, he frequently attempted to move attacks through central areas rather than around them.

Byers’ passing style relies less on flair and more on timing. He recognises moments when defensive lines become stretched and quickly exploits them with direct vertical passes.

Even within a struggling side, that ability to accelerate attacks remained clear.

1. Alex Lowry, Wycombe Wanderers, 0.53 per 90

Alex Lowry topped the division with an outstanding 0.53 smart passes per 90, comfortably leading the League One rankings despite limited minutes.

The young Scot has long been regarded as a technically gifted attacking player, and these numbers reinforce that reputation. Operating primarily in advanced attacking roles, Lowry consistently looked to break defensive lines rather than simply maintain possession.

Although the sample size remains relatively small at just 675 minutes, the output is still exceptional. Few players in the division attempted progressive, defence-breaking passes as frequently or effectively as Lowry during 2025/26.