FOOTBALL'S TOP ASSISTERS: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Featured Image Credit: Goal.com

When a goal is scored in a game, the person to receive all the plaudits is usually the goal scorer, but none of this could be done without the supply they receive from a top playmaker.

Over the years there have been some fantastic creative players that are able to make something out of seemingly nothing.

They manage to create incredible opportunities for strikers, putting chances on a plate for vital goals.

Here are some of the very best playmakers that have graced the game in recent years:

Lionel Messi:

Where else could you start this other than Lionel Messi, the Argentinian attacker has arguably been the best player in the world in the past decade and the stats back this up.

In the 2010’s Messi led the top 5 European leagues in the assist charts, accumulating a total of 136 assists (28 more than anyone else could manage).

There is no doubt that he is one of the greatest creators to grace the game of football as he provides so much for his teammates.

At 33 years old and a total of 319 assists (the highest official number of assists provided in football history) how much longer can Messi keep going.

Kevin De Bruyne:

Kevin De Bruyne has been a revelation at Manchester City, putting his name amongst the world best at this moment.

The Belgian midfielder has had a sparkling career since returning to the Premier League and has been the key figure in an extremely talented, trophy-winning side.

Many would suggest that he is the best passer of a ball in world football and he is simply a delight to watch.

In the 2019/20 Premier League season he was awarded the Premier League player of the year having provided a total of 20 assists.

He is extremely dangerous from a dead-ball situation and can put in a superb delivery, making him a strikers’ dream to play alongside.

Mesut Ozil:

Despite coming across some recent troubles at Premier League side Arsenal, there is no disputing the fact that Mesut Ozil has an amazing eye when it comes to picking out that special pass.

The German may have fallen out of favor, but over his career he has managed to pick up a very impressive total of 253 assists, this places him 4th in the all-time list.

Sitting narrowly behind Luis Suarez, it makes you wonder how much the lack of game time has affected these numbers and where he could be if this wasn’t the case.

It doesn’t look as though he will be seeing a return to the team anytime soon, as his contract is running down, but when he does leave will he be able to add more to his tally?

Cesc Fabregas:

Yet another midfield maestro, Cesc Fabregas has had an outstanding career.

Whether you are looking at his time in Spain, England or France now with AS Monaco he has been an amazing provider.

Playing for a range of big clubs he has always demonstrated his technical excellence and is still doing so to this day.

He has managed 234 assists so far in his career and will be eyeing up those above him in the overall list as his career begins to near the end.

In the 2015/16 season he was simply unplayable at Stamford Bridge, capitalising on any space given to him to distribute the ball to his teammates.

These players have all had wonderful careers, and the world’s top marksmen would be nowhere without the service they bestow.