5 players who won possession most times inside the final third this season (2021-22)

#3 Filip Kostic - 21

Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga

Filip Kostic has been one of the most influential midfielders in the Bundesliga in recent years. The Serbian’s creativity and versatility have been a blessing to his side. Kostic spent his early days at FC Groningen, before moving to Germany. He played for Stuttgart and Hamburg and was signed on loan by Frankfurt in 2018. His performances for the club were impressive and he was signed permanently in 2019.

The Serbian has three goals and seven assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season. Kostic’s doggedness has helped Frankfurt on numerous occasions and he has won the ball 21 times in the attacking third this season.

Kostic’s direct play has always provided his team with goalscoring opportunities. He has provided 42 assists in the past three seasons at Frankfurt.

Kostic has been on the radar of a few big clubs across Europe. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Inter Milan are all rumored to be linked with the Serbian.

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#2 Wahbi Khazri - 21

Khazri during his time at Sunderland

Wahbi Khazri signed for St. Etienne from Sunderland in 2018. Khazri’s drive and perseverance also earned him the captain’s armband at the club. The 30-year-old is currently on AFCON duty with Tunisia.

Although St. Etienne have been abysmal in the league, Khazri has led from the front and is their leading goalscorer with seven goals.

Khazri has scored quite a few spectacular goals, including a 68-meter long stunner against Metz in November. According to Opta, this was the furthest goal scored in Ligue 1 since they started collecting data in 2006.

Khazri has won possession back 21 times in the attacking third. St. Etienne have had a horrid season and are currently 20th in the league. They have managed to win just two games and also have the worst goal difference (12). After being in Ligue 1 for 18 years, they unfortunately seem to be headed towards relegation.

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#1 Iago Aspas - 21

RC Celta de Vigo v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

Iago Aspas has been a stalwart in Celta Vigo’s attack over the years. He began with Celta’s youth team and was soon an integral part of their senior squad. Aspas fired 23 goals in 35 appearances in the 2011-12 La Liga 2 season and promoted them to La Liga.

The Spaniard then joined Liverpool in 2013 but could hardly make an impact, scoring just once in 15 appearances. Aspas made his La Liga return in 2014 on a loan to Sevilla before returning to Celta Vigo in 2015.

Aspas’ work rate and pressing have proven to be quite beneficial to Celta. Aspas has won the ball on 21 occasions in the final third this season.

Aspas’ consistency has also caught the attention of Spain coach Luis Enrique, who might include the centre-forward in the national squad.

Aspas has 10 goals and two assists in 19 appearances La Liga this season. He is the fourth-highest goalscorer in the league. Although Aspas has been incredible for Celta, his side are a lowly 14th in La Liga.