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Jack Grealish's reported £100 million move to Manchester City sees one of the most creative players in the Premier League join Pep Guardiola's star-studded side.
Creative players have always been highly valued in the transfer market, despite the lack of orthodox No.10s in football nowadays. Grealish, who can operate on the wings, will join hands with Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City, who is the living embodiment of a modern-day creative force.
Teams are always on the lookout for such talent, and it was not surprising to see Manchester United try to sign Grealish last summer. High-quality creators are not easily found, and Manchester City now boast two of the best in the business.
We look at the 5 most creative players in the world right now.
#5 Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Jack Grealish has been the headline-grabber in recent days, as the forward closes in on a reported £100 million move to Manchester City.
Grealish is one of the best talents in the Premier League and it is not surprising to see a club like Manchester City go in for him. The England international has been Aston Villa's best player for some time now and it will be interesting to see how Dean Smith's men cope without their talisman.
The 25-year old is an excellent dribbler. Last season, he made 24 Premier League starts, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists. Aston Villa fans have expressed their disappointment with the move, and understandably so; Grealish is their best player and signed a new five-year contract last September with the club.
#4 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
One of the best footballers in the world, it is hard to compare Thomas Muller's style of play to any other player, past or present.
Muller is an unorthodox operator, someone who doesn't necessarily focus on aesthetics while playing football. An intelligent player, the Germany international specialises in finding space and is regarded as a complete forward, capable of creating and goalscoring.
The forward is a one-club man, having spent his entire career with Bayern Munich. Last season, the 31-year old made 31 Bundesliga starts, scoring 11 goals and providing 18 assists. The Raumdeuter is still going strong.
#3 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
Neymar is one of the best players in world football, and one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
The forward is the most expensive player in football, having cost Paris Saint-Germain an eyewatering €222 million in 2017. At Barcelona, Neymar became one of the very best in the world, playing a crucial role as the Camp Nou outfit won the treble in 2015.
Last season was a disappointing one for Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazil international made just 15 Ligue 1 starts, scoring nine goals and providing five assists as Paris Saint-Germain lost the league title to Lille. The 29-year old helped his country reach the final of Copa America 2021, but Brazil lost to Argentina.
#2 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish will soon be teammates, and it is hard to imagine what will stop Pep Guardiola's side from winning every possible trophy with the two superstars in full flow.
Kevin De Bruyne is the best midfielder in the world and one of the best players of the modern generation. An excellent passer, chance creator and crosser, the Belgium international has been one of the Premier League's finest ever since he joined Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2015.
De Bruyne's importance to Manchester City is enormous. The arrival of Grealish will reduce the burden on the 30-year old, who had his issues with injuries last season.
#1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Lionel Messi is the greatest player to have played the game, and is arguably the greatest creative force of all time.
A one-club man, Messi made his debut for Barcelona in 2004 and immediately displayed his world-class abilities. The Argentina international is a generational talent, someone who has defined Barcelona and the Argentina national team for some time now.
The 34-year old has shown no signs of slowing down. He was Argentina's best player as they won the Copa America 2021, and Messi looks rejuvenated after the triumph. There was heavy speculation that Messi could leave Barcelona this summer, but the forward has reportedly signed a new deal with the club.
Also Read: 5 players who created the most big chances in the Premier League last season (2020-21)
