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While goalscorers are arguably the most important players in a team, much of their skills depend upon the service they receive. That is why it is imperative to have good creators in the squad, capable of producing moments of magic.
These days, managers require creativity from almost every position. Full-backs are required to be intelligent with their forward passing, while midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne have now established a different breed of midfielders with their style of play.
We look at the:
10 players who have created the most chances in Europe this season
(Note: All figures are key passes/game)
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#10 FILIP KOSTIC (Eintracht Frankfurt) - 2.4 key passes
Having joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Hamburger SV for a fee of £5.4 million in 2019 after an initial loan spell, Kostic has enjoyed a fine spell with the Bundesliga side.
A left-sided player who has operated as a wing-back as well as a winger, Kostic's crosses, creativity and dribbling have been key assets to the Frankfurt side. The Serbia international also managed strong defensive contributions last season, highlighting his work-ethic.
The 27-year old was everpresent for Frankfurt last season. He made 33 Bundesliga appearances, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists. While the likes of Ante Rebic, Sebastian Haller and Luka Jovic received the majority of the plaudits and subsequently left the club for big-money moves, Kostic stuck around, and was vital for Adi Hutter last season.
The former Groningen player has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Liverpool and Crystal Palace over the past few months.
#9 JACK GREALISH (Aston Villa) - 2.5 key passes
Aston Villa survived the drop from the Premier League by a narrow margin, and much of it was down to the performances of their captain Jack Grealish.
The Aston Villa academy graduate was Aston Villa's best player by a margin. His versatility was well-utilized by manager Dean Smith, with Grealish operating in central midfield as well as on the left-wing throughout the season. The former Notts County player's dribbling and creativity often created problematic scenarios for opposition defenders.
Grealish is yet to make his debut for the England national team, but it seems more a case of when rather than if. His impact at Aston Villa was such that he was the most fouled player in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old made 36 appearances in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and providing six assists. He has been persistently linked with Manchester United, while Manchester City and Arsenal are also tracking him.
#8 THOMAS MULLER (Bayern Munich) - 2.5 key passes
Thomas Muller endured a quiet couple of seasons by his own lofty standards standards under Niko Kovac and Carlo Ancelotti, but he seems to have found his groove again under Hansi Flick.
The 30-year old, regarded as one of the best attackers of his generation, is well-renowned for his unusual style of play. A self-stylized "raumdeuter" or interpreter of space, Muller's eye for a goal, ability to find space, and defensive contributions have made him a fan favourite at Bavaria.
The Bayern Munich academy graduate made 33 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring eight goals and providing 21 assists. His assist count is a record-high fin Bundesliga, surpassing Kevin De Bruyne and Emil Forsberg.
Although there have been links with Manchester United in the past, Muller looks set to finish his career with Bayern Munich. The Germany international recently signed a new contract to keep him at the club till 2023.
Also Read: Reports: Arsenal willing to offer three first-team players for Thomas Partey
#7 JAMES MADDISON (Leicester City) - 2.5 key passes
One among many talented young players at Leicester City, James Maddison has well and truly established himself as one of England's best midfielders.
Having joined from Norwich City in 2018 for £20 million, Maddison's impact for the Foxes was clearly visible. Predominantly an attacking midfielder, the England international has also played centrally as well as on the wings for his club. His injury late in the season certainly affected Leicester's chances of qualifying for Champions League football.
The 23-year old made 31 appearances in the Premier League for Brendan Rodgers' side, scoring six goals and providing three assists. His excellent creativity has often propelled Leicester's midfield.
Maddison has been linked with both Manchester clubs in the past, although it has been suggested that the former Coventry City player could sign a new contract with the Foxes.
#6 LIONEL MESSI (Barcelona) - 2.7 key passes
Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi's legend increases on a daily basis.
Barcelona are in disarray, and have just lost the league title to arch-rivals Real Madrid. Despite all the controversial activities off the field, Messi has shone throughout the season, and has been at his brilliant best. The best creator, passer and goalscorer for Barcelona, "Messidependencia" is in full flow.
The Argentina international made 33 appearances in La Liga for Barcelona, scoring 25 goals and providing 21 assists. He has been Barcelona's best outfield player in a dismal season for the Catalans.
With just a year left in his contract, it has been suggested that the 33-year old might leave Barcelona out of sheer frustration. Manchester City are the obvious club to go to, although the Camp Nou outfit should try and do whatever they can to keep their talisman.
#5 LUIS ALBERTO (Lazio) - 2.8 key passes
In a Lazio squad filled with talent, Luis Alberto has enjoyed another fine creative season.
Alberto joined Lazio from Liverpool in 2016 for a fee of £4 million. The Spain international had a slow start to his Lazio career, but his second season saw him emerge as a key first-team member. An exceptional creator with good dribbling ability, Alberto has predominantly played in the centre of the park for the Italian side.
The former Sevilla man has played 34 games in Serie A so far for Lazio, scoring six goals and providing 15 assists. Alberto has formed a strong midfield partnership with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Alberto's performances have not gone unnoticed. The 27-year has been linked with Barcelona, as well as a move to Liverpool's arch-rivals Everton.
#4 ALEJANDRO GOMEZ (Atalanta) - 2.9 key passes
The talisman of an exciting Atalanta team, Alejandro "Papu" Gomez has been a fine servant for the Italian side.
Gomez joined Atalanta from Metalist Kharkiv for a fee of £4 million in 2014. The Argentina international has made more than 30 appearances in the league in five of his six seasons at the club, highlighting his influence. Currently, he is also the captain of Atalanta.
This season under Gian Piero Gasperini, the 32-year old has been utilized as a central midfielder, a left-winger and as a striker. A creative force with good dribbling and passing ability, Gomez has been a nightmare for opposition defenders. He has played 34 games in the league this season, scoring six goals and grabbing 16 assists.
The former Catania player is a firm favourite among Atalanta fans, and looks set to enjoy the twilight of his career with the club.
Also Read: Reports: Barcelona aiming to complete Lautaro Martinez deal by next month
#3 ANGEL DI MARIA (PSG) - 3 key passes
Angel Di Maria's disastrous Manchester United spell might have dampened people's opinions about him, but there is no denying the fact that he is one of the best creators of his generation.
Di Maria joined Paris Saint-Germain after a single season at Manchester United for £44 million in 2015. The Argentina international has formed a formidable attack with the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, with his creativity and vision regarded as among the best in the league.
The 32-year old played 26 games in Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring eight goals and providing 14 assists. Di Maria has been used as a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder, on the wings and even as a striker by Thomas Tuchel.
Di Maria was previously linked with a move to Manchester United's arch-rivals Liverpool, but now it looks like he could leave for Argentina once his PSG stint ends.
#2 KEVIN DE BRUYNE (Manchester City) - 3.9 key passes
The best player in the Premier League last season, Kevin De Bruyne continues to perform at the highest level possible.
The Belgium international joined Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a fee of £54 million, and has played a pivotal role under manager Pep Guardiola. His creativity, passing, dribbling and vision have all stood out, while his renowned crosses have resulted in a plethora of goals.
The 29-year old made 35 appearances in the league for Guardiola's side, scoring 13 goals and providing 20 assists. He now holds the record for most assists in a Premier League season, sharing the honour with Thierry Henry.
De Bruyne looks set to sign a new contract with Manchester City, having been suggested as a potential transfer target for both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
#1 DIMITRI PAYET (Marseille) - 4 key passes
One of the best creators in France right now, Dimitri Payet has had another fine season.
Payet joined Marseille from West Ham United in 2017 for a fee of £25 million in a controversial move. Since then he has been one of the most underrated players in France, with his exceptional creativity and passing ability a vital asset for manager Andre Villas-Boas.
The 33-year old played 22 games in the league for his club, scoring nine goals and providing four assists. He played predominantly on the left-hand side for Marseille last season.
Payet was linked with a sensational move back to West Ham United in January, but nothing happened. It looks like the France international will be a Marseille player for the time being.
Also Read: Premier League 2019/20: Top 10 players this season according to ratings
