Tim Payne’s steady influence for Wellington Phoenix in 2025/26 is easy to spot on the stats sheet. Across 16 A-League Men matches he has five assists and 11 key passes, a productive line for a defender. His Sofascore Rating sits at 6.56, reflecting consistent work on and off the ball. The heat map points to a classic right‑back lane with frequent trips into advanced areas.

Creative output from the right side

Payne’s assist count sits at five, which is strong for a player listed as DR/DC. It means roughly one assist every three games, a handy return for Phoenix. The 11 key passes support that trend and show he finds teammates in useful spots. You can see the pattern in his heat map, which lights up the right flank and the final third.

He combines this with 79% passing accuracy, enough to keep moves flowing without forcing it. That balance between safety and ambition is why his chance creation stands out. When Phoenix push forward, he often provides width and a simple option. It is functional football that turns pressure into serviceable entries around the box.

Defensive work you can trust

Numbers behind the ball are tidy as well. Payne averages 3.1 recoveries per match, which helps Phoenix reset quickly after turnovers. He wins 54% of his duels, a solid return in wide areas where 1v1s are frequent. Add 1.9 clearances per game and you get a defender who handles danger without fuss.

These reads matter on the right touchline, where transitions can punish over-committing full-backs. Payne’s figures suggest good timing rather than constant last-ditch actions. That steadiness feeds into his 6.56 Sofascore Rating across the campaign. It captures both his disruptive moments and the quieter defensive wins that keep games under control.

Reliable passing, measured risk

A 79% completion rate shows he keeps the ball moving at a healthy clip. It is not just short passes either, given his position demands switches and forward attempts. The outcome is possession that advances Phoenix without too many giveaways. His decision-making pairs with those 11 key passes to create repeatable chances.

For a team eyeing territory on the right, that predictability is gold. He links phases, lets the winger stay high, and still picks a cross-field option when needed. The blend of security and intent is what coaches lean on in tight matches. It is also why fans see his name pop in build-up chains week after week.

Profile and role within Phoenix

The New Zealand defender stands 179 cm, wears number 6, and prefers his right foot. Those basics fit the job description of a sturdy, up-and-down full-back who can also cover centrally. Listed as DR and DC, he offers tactical flexibility when Phoenix reshuffle. Sixteen appearances underline his status as a regular in the rotation.

The A-League Men season is a grind, and this kind of consistency is valuable. Payne’s heat map confirms he patrols the corridor with purpose, closing space and joining attacks. With assists, recoveries, and duel wins all pointing in the right direction, the picture is clear. You can track every outing and live metrics on Sofascore, including his match-by-match Sofascore Rating.