How the Mariners boss Hyundai A-League passing stats

Central Coast Mariners are quickly becoming one of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the Hyundai A-League.

Paul Okon’s proactive, possession-based approach is easy on the eye and his young squad is starting to deliver.

The Mariners have taken the lead in all four matches this season, with only a lack of experience stopping them from sitting safely inside the top six.

But their maturity is starting to show, as Opta data reveals.

An average of 515 passes per match at an impressive 80% accuracy is a big improvement on last term and sees them ranked as the competition’s undisputed pass masters.

Okon will be especially encouraged by the inroads his team is making in the final third, where their 708 completed passes are 66 more than next-nearest Sydney FC and a whopping 227 ahead of Western Sydney Wanderers.

And it’s hardly surprising when pint-sized playmaker Daniel de Silva is pulling the strings.

The 20-year-old’s 80% accuracy in attack is the best of any player to have made at least 50 passes in the most important area of the pitch.

It all adds up to positive signs for a Finals Series tilt.

Daniel De Silva