The 2021-22 Premier League season has proved to be an exhilarating one. It has already surpassed the hype created ahead of the season. Manchester City, the current Premier League title holders, will no longer find it an easy task to defend their title. Other clubs have also imposed their presence as worthy challengers.
With plenty of goals scored, the Premier League season has entertained all the fans and has heightened their expectations for a nail-biting finish. All thanks to the players who are continuously scoring goals. However, these goals would not have found the net without the creative players assisting them.
The Premier League has many talented players. But it is the presence of the world's best creative players that have blessed the competition. As important as it is to score goals, it is equally important to create them.
The players that create such sublime chances have the eye of an eagle and no one on the pitch can match their attention to detail. Appreciating these performers, let's take a look at five Premier League players likely to end with the most assists at the end of the season.
#5 Jarrod Bowen
West Ham United have been a completely new club under David Moyes. The Scottish manager took over managerial duties midway through the 2019-20 season, replacing Manuel Pellegrini. He saved the club from possible relegation.
They were brilliant last season when they finished sixth in the Premier League. They are eyeing a top-four finish this season and are giving it a worthy challenge.
The whole squad has improved considerably and one such player is Jarrod Bowen. The English winger has been of great impact for the Hammers and is only one assist short of equalling his previous season's tally. He made six assists last season but has reached five already this season.
The numbers are likely to increase and his double assist in the 3-2 win against Liverpool could act as the catalyst.
#4 Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian king is currently on another level. It would only be fair if the Premier League Player of the Season award was given to him right away. Mohamed Salah has reached the century mark for goals scored for Liverpool in the Premier League. Furthermore, achieving it in just 166 matches made him the fifth fastest in the competition to do so.
A few matches in, he also dethroned Didier Drogba to claim the title as the highest scoring African in the Premier League. He has made it a habit of scoring goals. With 11 goals in 12 matches, Salah is leading the race for the Golden Boot.
Although this shouldn't come as a surprise, the 29-year-old forward is also leading the assists chart. Paul Pogba is the only one besides him to have assisted seven goals this season. Salah could top this chart too if he keeps up the form. However, his duties as a goalscorer might get the better of him for the remainder of the season.
#3 Joao Cancelo
The 27-year-old Portuguese is the latest addition to the modern era of fullbacks in the Premier League. Joao Cancelo initially struggled to secure his natural position as a right-back at Manchester City. However, his dedication to earning a spot in the team impressed Guardiola, who tried him on the left side.
He has been guarding that position since and has occasionally taken on midfield roles too. However, Joao Cancelo has adapted to the modern definition of his position and is threatening to be the best at it.
He became the focal point after the scintillating performances he put up in November. In the Champions League fixture against Club Brugge, he provided a hat-trick of assists which earned him plenty of plaudits.
Following that he delivered back-to-back assists in the Premier League. His outrageous one against Everton was definitely a sight to watch. He delivered an outside-of-the-foot cross from his right foot to Raheem Sterling, who finished it expertly.
Despite having only three assists in the Premier League this season, Cancelo's current form is promising enough for him to become a provider of goals.
#2 Reece James
The 21-year-old Chelsea fullback has turned out to become one of the best fullbacks in the Premier League. He was given his Chelsea debut by Frank Lampard in 2019 and has been a regular in the squad since.
Chelsea continue to be a dominant force under Thomas Tuchel, and their defensive stats are even more incredible. Currently sitting at the top of the Premier League, Chelsea are aiming for the title which will seal their dominance if they haven't done so already.
Chelsea's defense have conceded the least goals (4) and have secured the most clean sheets (8) this season in the Premier League. Along with that, the defense have also scored the most goals for them. Leading the goalscoring ranks at the club is Reece James with five goals.
After having a shaky start, he has contributed to a goal every single game. He has scored four and made four assists in the Premier League so far. With defenders taking over the overall responsibilities, James can be expected to contribute more goals frequently.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arndold has secured himself as the best right-back in the Premier League. Debuting as a teenager for Liverpool, he quickly rose up the ranks and became a crucial member of Jurgen Klopp's squad. Along with excellent defensive performances, he often goes forward and contributes to goals.
He has been the club's top assist provider for the past three seasons and he has done that effortlessly. Arnold is likely to do the same for years to come. He holds the record for most assists by a defender in a single Premier League season. He made 13 assists in the 2019-20 season.
However, he might finally have the chance to top that list in the Premier League. Alexander-Arnold has always been bettered by someone else since he became skillful in providing assists. But his challengers are having a quiet season in the Premier League.
Thanks to the proficiency of Sadio Mane and Salah in front of goal, he can be confident of adding many more to his account. With six assists to his name, he is only behind his team-mate Salah and Manchester United's Pogba.