4 Premier League stars who have provided more than 25 assists before their 22nd birthday

#2 Wayne Rooney – 31 assists

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney in action against Chelsea

One of the best strikers in the history of the Premier League, Wayne Rooney was always destined for great things. Rising through Everton’s youth academy, Rooney made his Premier League debut in the 2002-03 season when he was only 16-years-old.

Even as a teenager, he was as headstrong as they come. He was always prepared to put in a good shift for his team and rarely back-peddled in front of a daunting defense. Rooney, for all intents and purposes, was a complete English striker.

The teenager played 33 games for Everton in his debut season, scoring six times. He stayed put for one more season at Goodison Park before Manchester United came calling.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney took his game a couple of notches higher and improved his passing in the final third. The Englishman emerged as a dependable outlet for the Red Devils, always prepared to lend a helping hand.

By the time Rooney turned 22, he was already an established name in the Premier League. Between Everton and United, the English marksman had 60 goals and 31 assists to his name.

He also celebrated his first Premier League title win with the Red Devils before his 22nd birthday.

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#1 Cesc Fabregas – 46 assists

Cesc Fabregas for Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

Many hail Cesc Fabregas as one of the best midfielders in the history of the Premier League and for good reason. Despite leaving his native Spain and having to adjust to new surroundings in England, Fabregas produced exceptional performances for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger.

The Spaniard was Wenger’s star pupil, always managing to exceed the Frenchman’s already sky-high expectations.

Only 17, Fabregas made 33 appearances for Arsenal in the 2004-05 Premier League season. Competing against some of the best in the business, Fabregas held his own that season, registering two goals and five assists in the English top-flight.

The midfielder remained in the thick of things the following season but could not vastly improve his tally. His breakthrough ultimately came during the 2006-07 season, when he bagged a whopping 11 assists in 38 appearances.

Having turned 20 in the 2007-08 season, Fabregas took the next obvious step and added goals to his game. He had scored seven goals and provided 17 assists in 32 Premier League games that season, enjoying his best-ever season for the north Londoners.

Before turning 22, the Monaco midfielder registered 17 goals and 46 assists in the Premier League but couldn’t bag the coveted league title.