The Premier League’s top 10 chance creators in 2023-24: Fernandes above Salah & Saka…
Stars from Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have been among the most creative players in the Premier League during 2023-24 so far.
As Kevin De Bruyne has missed the majority of the season through injury, a number of fresh faces have managed to squeeze their way into the top 10.
We’ve taken a closer look at the underlying numbers and have identified the 10 Premier League players who have created the most chances this season.
Note: when players are tied on chances created, we have ordered them by their chances created per 90 ratio.
10. Phil Foden – 42
In the absence of De Bruyne, Foden has really stepped up this season. With 11 goal contributions already, the 23-year-old has been one of Manchester City’s key assets.
In years gone by, Foden hasn’t always nailed down a consistent starting spot, but this hasn’t been the case this year. So far he has started in 90 per cent of league matches and has been a key performer for Pep Guardiola’s side.
9. Dejan Kulusevski – 43
Whether he’s played on the right-hand side or as a number 10, Kulusevski has been at his creative best this year. He’s managed to create 43 chances for his teammates which is more than any other Spurs player has managed.
Kulusevski himself has enjoyed playing in the number 10 role as he told Sky Sports: “That’s my position. Before I was a 10. I always played in the middle.
“Then in Palma, in the first season they put me right winger and that’s what I had to do, I had to change my position after that. But I’m ready to play every position because I did it all my life.”
Gimme, gimme, gimme… 🎶
The best of Dejan Kulusevski 🍿 pic.twitter.com/eSoK22BRGc
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 19, 2023
8. Mohamed Salah – 47
Along with being Liverpool’s top scorer, Salah is also one of their main creative outlets. He’s managed to produce eight assists so far which is the most in the league along with Ollie Watkins.
As things stand, he’s averaging a goal contribution every 79.2 minutes which is a truly remarkable return.
7. Martin Odegaard – 47
While you could argue that Odegaard perhaps hasn’t been in the best form of late, he still ranks among the most creative players in the league.
Despite creating 47 chances for his teammates, he only has three assists to show for it which perhaps highlights Arsenal’s inconsistent finishing.
6. Julian Alvarez – 48
The World Cup winner has done well to nail down a starting spot this year. Whether he’s played alongside Erling Haaland or as a lone striker, Alvarez offers a range of skills to his side.
Along with having an eye for goal himself, Alvarez is unselfish enough to always look for his teammates. So far he has 12 goal contributions, with six goals and six assists to his name.
5. Trent Alexander-Arnold – 49
Since moving into a hybrid midfield role, Alexander-Arnold has looked back to his very best. The stats really do speak for themselves.
READ: The staggering Premier League table since Jurgen Klopp first moved TAA into midfield
4. Bukayo Saka – 54
Saka has been involved in 28 per cent of the goals Arsenal have scored this season and it’s no wonder when he is creating an average of 2.7 chances per game.
The Gunners are still in a position where they can challenge for the title and Saka will be pivotal to their chances of winning it this season.
3. Kieran Trippier – 54
Since his arrival from Atletico Madrid, Trippier has been one of the best creative outlets in the league. In 81 appearances for Newcastle, the 33-year-old has managed to produce 18 assists and has created countless chances.
2. Bruno Fernandes – 55
Despite Manchester United experiencing a dip in form, Fernandes still ranks among the best creative players in the league. In two of the last three Premier League seasons, Fernandes has had a higher xA (expected assists) than any other player in the league.
Although, he’s only managed to register three assists during the campaign so far which perhaps highlights where United’s problems lie.
1. Pascal Gross – 55
Brighton have been a great watch once again this season and Gross has managed to be their main creative hub. Despite playing in a slightly deeper role, he’s still producing the goods on a regular basis.
In total, the German has assisted six league goals and is creating 2.9 chances per game for his fellow teammates.
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TRY A QUIZ: Can you name the 20 players with the most assists in Premier League history?