The Top Playmakers of the Past Decade: A Look at the Best Assist Providers in Football
In the beautiful game of football, playmakers often go unnoticed as goalscorers steal the spotlight. However, assists are the lifeblood of any attacking move, and the past decade has seen a host of extraordinary players carving defenses apart with their vision, precision, and creativity. Here’s a look at some of the most prolific assist providers from 2014 to 2024, celebrating their impact on the game.
**1. Lionel Messi**
It’s no surprise that Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, dominates this list. Whether at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, or with the Argentine national team, Messi’s ability to pick out a pass is second to none. Between 2014 and 2024, Messi recorded over 200 assists across all competitions, combining his dribbling brilliance with his playmaking vision.
**2. Kevin De Bruyne**
The Belgian maestro has been the heartbeat of Manchester City since his arrival in 2015. Known for his pinpoint crosses and through balls, De Bruyne has consistently topped assist charts in the Premier League. His chemistry with City’s forwards, especially Erling Haaland in recent seasons, has been a spectacle for football fans. De Bruyne has averaged over 20 assists per season in all competitions over the last decade.
*3. Thomas Müller**
Bayern Munich’s "Raumdeuter" (space interpreter) has been a model of consistency. Müller’s unique understanding of positioning allows him to exploit spaces and deliver key passes. As the Bundesliga’s all-time leading assist provider, Müller has racked up nearly 150 assists in the past decade for both club and country, proving that he remains an invaluable asset in any attacking setup.
**4. Neymar Jr.**
The Brazilian superstar may be celebrated for his dribbling and flair, but his ability to create scoring opportunities is equally remarkable. Neymar, during his stints at Barcelona, PSG, and with Brazil, has been a constant source of assists. His partnership with Messi and Luis Suárez in Barcelona’s famed “MSN” trio is still remembered as one of football’s most iconic attacking units.
**5. Mesut Özil**
Though his career experienced ups and downs after his prime years at Arsenal, Özil’s playmaking ability from 2014 to around 2018 was unmatched. The German midfielder, often lauded for his elegant style and vision, consistently produced assists in the Premier League and for the German national team, including key contributions during their 2014 World Cup-winning campaign.
*6. Trent Alexander-Arnold**
Revolutionizing the role of the modern full-back, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the standout playmakers of the last decade. His pinpoint crosses and set-piece delivery have made him a crucial source of assists for Liverpool, particularly during their UEFA Champions League and Premier League-winning campaigns.
*7. Cristiano Ronaldo**
While primarily known as one of the greatest goalscorers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has also been a prolific provider for his teammates. His unselfish play during his time at Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, and the Portuguese national team saw him record numerous assists, often overshadowed by his goalscoring exploits.
**8. Angel Di María**
Angel Di María has quietly been one of the most consistent creators in world football. The Argentine winger’s ability to deliver precise crosses and through balls has seen him excel at clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, and Juventus. Di María’s crucial assist for Lionel Messi in the 2021 Copa América final cemented his legacy as a world-class playmaker.
**9. David Silva**
Nicknamed "El Mago," David Silva’s time at Manchester City was a golden era for both player and club. The Spanish midfielder’s close control and incisive passing were instrumental in City’s domestic dominance. Silva’s creativity remained a hallmark even in his final years with the club before moving to Real Sociedad.
**10. Cesc Fàbregas**
One of the Premier League’s all-time assist leaders, Cesc Fàbregas continued to shine in the latter stages of his career, providing crucial assists for Chelsea and AS Monaco. His innate ability to unlock defenses with a single pass solidified his reputation as one of football’s best midfield playmakers.
**Conclusion**
The past decade has been a golden period for creative talents in football. From midfield generals to attacking full-backs, these players have redefined what it means to be a playmaker. As football continues to evolve, the legacy of these assist kings will inspire future generations to perfect the art of creating goals.
Who will dominate the next decade? Only time will tell, but the bar has been set incredibly high by these legends.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0