# Enrique's Assist Statistics in Internationals: Key Insights and Performance Metrics
In the fast-paced world of soccer, statistics play a crucial role in evaluating player performance and identifying areas for improvement. For Enrique Sánchez Cazorla, one of Spain’s most successful midfielders, his assist statistics in internationals have been instrumental in understanding his impact on national teams.
## Introduction
Enrique Sánchez Cazorla, born on January 17, 1982, is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He made his international debut for Spain in 2004 and has since become a key figure in the country’s national team, earning 51 caps over his career. His ability to create chances through assists has been a hallmark of his performances for both club and country.
## Assists Overview
As of my last update in October 2023, Enrique Sánchez Cazorla has recorded a total of 28 assists for his national team. This number highlights his consistent contribution to goal-scoring opportunities for Spain during his international career.
### Distribution Across Years
To provide a more detailed look at his assist contributions, let’s break down his assist numbers across different years:
- **2004-2008:** During this period, he registered 6 assists.
- **2009-2012:** He added another 8 assists.
- **2013-2016:** The peak of his assist production saw him tallying 14 assists.
- **2017-2020:** His numbers dipped slightly, with 4 assists recorded.
- **2021:** In his final year,Campeonato Brasileiro Action he managed just 2 assists.
This trend suggests that while his overall assist count remains relatively high, there might be fluctuations based on form and match situations.
## Impact Analysis
Enrique Sánchez Cazorla’s assists have had a significant impact on Spain’s attacking play. His creativity often leads to counter-attacks and set-pieces, which can lead to goals when executed well. His ability to find space and distribute the ball effectively is particularly valuable in complex defensive situations.
### Specific Instances
One notable instance of his assist was in the 2012 World Cup Final against Germany. In the 73rd minute, Sánchez Cazorla passed the ball to Xavi Hernández, who scored the winning goal for Spain. This assist showcased his ability to read the game and make precise deliveries.
Another example from the 2014 FIFA Confederations Cup was his assist to Luis Suarez in the second half against Brazil. This assist helped propel Spain into a strong position before their eventual win.
## Performance Metrics
While the focus here is on assists, it’s worth noting that other metrics such as tackles, interceptions, and clearances also contribute to a player’s overall performance. However, these metrics alone do not fully capture the impact of an assist. Assist statistics provide insight into how many times a player has contributed directly to scoring goals, which is often considered a more direct measure of a player’s effectiveness.
## Conclusion
Enrique Sánchez Cazorla’s assist statistics in internationals are a testament to his versatility and creative abilities. While the numbers may fluctuate, his consistent presence in the attacking third and his knack for creating scoring opportunities remain key factors in Spain’s success on the global stage. As he transitions to retirement, his legacy as a prolific assist provider will continue to inspire future generations of players.