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#3 Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | 20
There is a compelling argument to be made for Kevin De Bruyne not only being the best midfielder in the Premier League but in Europe at this moment. The Belgian has had a simply fantastic 2019/20 season for the former Premier League champions, making the difference for his side on countless occasions.
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The majestic Belgian appeared to be in pole position to shatter Thierry Henry's legendary record of 20 assists in a league campaign. Although De Bruyne was ever so close to breaking it, he ended the season with 20 assists, managing to level the iconic Frenchman's tally for Arsenal. Apart from his collection of assists, the former Chelsea playmaker also managed to score 13 league goals from midfield — with many of them being unstoppable for most goalkeepers in the world.
De Bruyne would hope to replicate his performances in Europe as City are set to face off against a fearless Olympique Lyon in Portugal.
#2 Thomas Muller | Bayern Munich | 21
There were a few Bayern Munich players, including Thomas Muller, whose powers appeared to begin waning. However, Hansi Flick's arrival at the club sparked the personnel to life and rejuvenated Bayern in several aspects. Muller, in particular, bounced back with a scintillating season after a relatively underwhelming 2018/19 campaign, which saw him score six and assist nine in 32 games.
This year, the World Cup winner has accumulated a staggering 21 assists — more than double of his tally from last year — and at least seven more than any of his previous seasons. Muller has been a vital cog for Flick's sleeker and sharper Bayern, quietly finding pockets of spaces to exploit and rampantly pressing to win the ball back as well. Apart from his 21 assists, the 30-year-old also has eight Bundesliga goals to his name.
The Raumdeuter's season was a timely reminder of the rare skillset and ability he possesses, as he helped the Bavarians to their eighth successive title. Muller would hope to make a difference in their upcoming tie against Barcelona.
#1 Lionel Messi | Barcelona | 22
Another year, another commendable season, another list topped by FC Barcelona's mercurial skipper. Lionel Messi has set up the most number of goals in Europe's top-five leagues this year, and sent records tumbling en route the pinnacle as well.
Messi became the first LaLiga Santander player to register over 20 goals and 20 assists in a single league campaign. In his 33 games, the Argentina captain smashed in 25 goals and set up 22 assists, both of which are the highest tallies in LaLiga 2019/20. Although Barcelona failed to win the title to make it three in a row, Messi's season on an individual note has been truly marvellous. What's more is that despite his goal return being less than it has been for over a decade, the 33-year-old's playmaking ability has been on full display.
Messi already gave the remaining contenders for the UCL a glimpse of his godly ability with a magical display against SSC Napoli in the round of 16 tie. He would hope to register his fifth UCL title as his side are set to face Hansi Flick's devastating Bayern Munich on Friday.
Also read: Top 10 players in Europe this season according to ratings
