Europe’s top 10 chance creators in 2021-22: Payet, Hazard, KDB & more | OneFootball

The 2021-22 season is nearing its conclusion and we’re getting to the stage where some of Europe’s best players have showcased their dominance on the pitch – something that’s reflected in the underlying statistics.

We’ve already taken a look at the players that stand out in terms of goals and assists this season, but what about the most creative players?

Here are the top 10 players across Europe’s top five leagues (the Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, La Liga and Serie A) in terms of key passes – the final pass before a team-mate takes a shot at goal.

We’ve ordered them in terms of their number of key passes per 90 minutes, and we’ve only included players that have played at least 500 league minutes.

=9. Ousmane Dembele – 3.1 per 90

Dembele has enjoyed something of a renaissance since Barcelona refused to offer him a contract extension – which is surely a mere coincidence – and has played a central role in their improvement under Xavi.

The 24-year-old was outstanding in the recent 4-0 win at Real Madrid and has made over three key passes per game this season.

No wonder team-mate Jordi Alba has urged the Barcelona board to extend his contract.

=9. Hakan Calhanoglu – 3.1 per 90

Plenty of players have crossed the Milan divide over the years, but not many have established themselves as a dead-ball specialist as Calhanoglu has done at Inter.

Back in February, the Turkey international ranked highest in Serie A for dead-ball assists (five), chances created from set plays (27) and successful corners (29).

And his prowess from dead-ball situations will be crucial as Inter seek to secure back-to-back league titles.

=9. Thomas Muller – 3.1 per 90

Muller has provided 16 assists for Bayern Munich this season. Sixteen. No wonder he’s regarded as a club legend…

8. Jonas Hofmann – 3.2 per 90

Borussia Monchengladbach stalwart Hofmann has been a major part of the club punching above their weight in recent seasons, and that continues to be the case in 2021-22.

The Germany international has even deputised at right-back at times for Gladbach this season but no matter where he plays he’s consistently dangerous.

=6. Federico Dimarco – 3.3 per 90

One of the more unfamiliar names on our list, Dimarco has gone from being an outsider to a more central member of the Inter squad.

The midfielder has made the majority of his appearances from the subs bench but, as his figures show, Dimarco can certainly pick a pass and add a different dimension to the Inter attack.

But there’s talk of Dimarco leaving San Siro and moving to either Lazio or Roma in the summer. The jury’s out about whether that’d be a wise decision for Inter.

=6. Kevin de Bruyne – 3.3 per 90

Of course De Bruyne is here. He’s f*ckin’ brilliant.

5. Eden Hazard – 3.4 per 90

A return of just five goals and eight assists across Hazard’s first two seasons at Real Madrid illustrates how dramatically he’s lost form since leaving Chelsea, when before he was arguably the Premier League’s best player.

His time at the Bernabeu hasn’t improved much this year, but Hazard remains an outstanding talent. The Belgian only has one La Liga assist in 2021-22 but he’s been among Los Blancos’ most dangerous players in the final third – when he gets on the pitch.

=3. Josip Ilicic – 3.5 per 90

Ilicic has been a sensation for Atalanta during his five seasons with the club and he’s made a huge impact for the Serie A overachievers this season.

Despite making more appearances as a sub than from the start, Ilicic has scored three goals and provided four assists for Atalanta.

And, judging by his tally of 3.5 key passes per 90 minutes, nobody can accuse the striker of not making the most of his time on the field.

=3. Iker Muniain – 3.5 per 90

It’s crazy to think that former Marcelo Bielsa favourite Munian is only 29, given he started breaking through at Athletic Bilbao back in 2009-10.

The midfielder has only ever received two caps – back in 2012 and 2019 – for Spain, but Luis Enrique may consider giving him a recall if he continues playing like this. Marcelino’s getting the best out of him at San Mames.

=1. Dimitri Payet – 3.6 per 90

There were a couple of glorious years where Premier League audiences were treated to the majesty of Payet, and anyone that watched him during that period at West Ham won’t be surprised to see that he’s still among the most creative players in Europe at the age of 35.

The Hammers cult hero loves playing in Marseille and is thriving under Jorge Sampaoli.

=1. Benjamin Bourigeaud – 3.6 per 90

Rennes are arguably the most entertaining side in Ligue 1 right now and Bourigeaud is a large part of the reason why.

The 28-year-old midfielder isn’t one of the biggest names in French or European football but provides his team-mates with an average of 3.6 chances per game.

That’s translated into six goals and 10 assists for Bourigeaud and expect him to play an integral role if Rennes reach the Champions League next season.