Europe’s top 10 playmakers have been ranked, according to a list compiled by the Daily Star, and unsurprisingly Lionel Messi tops the list. Let’s take a look at the other players who have made it to the list.
10. Jack Grealish
Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish continues to be one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League as his progress has been such over the past two seasons. This season, the Villans playmaker has racked up an eye-catching number of 6 goals and 12 assists. This is despite being forced into exile due to a shin injury. He has also impressed all, including England national team manager Gareth Southgate during the international break.
9. James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez set the Premier League ablaze after completing his move to Everton from Real Madrid last summer. The Toffees flirted with the top-four race after a series of impressive wins, but they slumped massively in the second half. During the initial weeks, James was the key cog in Carlo Ancelotti’s set-up, showing the English top-flight what he is made of.
8. Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard was loaned to Arsenal from Real Madrid after falling down the pecking order of Zinedine Zidane. However, the Norwegian midfielder hit the ground running at Emirates Stadiums, producing some spellbinding performances. Although he hasn’t been among goals or assists, Odegaard injected more creativity to the dull-looking Mikel Arteta’s side.
7. Thiago Alcantara
The Spanish magician didn’t have a dream start to his spell at Anfield, which put him under scrutiny. However, Thiago is coming to the fore lately for Liverpool, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the Champions League qualification.
6. Toni Kroos
Last season, Toni Kroos came under scrutiny for lacking consistency for Real Madrid. But he has proved his critics wrong this season, racking up already 12 assists in La Liga with two games remaining.
5. Thomas Muller
Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller has carried on his fine form this season, and in fact, he went an extra mile to notch up 11 goals and 19 assists in Bundesliga. Perhaps, nobody in Europe’s top leagues has provided more assists than the German star, who is now expected to make his return to the national team.
4. Neymar
Last season, we saw how crucial Neymar was to PSG’s Champions League journey, which saw the French giants end up as the runners up. The Brazilian star’s impact has been the same this season, although PSG aren’t good collectively. The 29-year-old has become more of a media punta nowadays, pulling strings from anywhere on the pitch.
3. Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has become one of Europe’s best players after playing one and half seasons with Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder has garnered a whopping total of 27 goals and 17 assists in all competitions this season.
2. Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City have been one of the brute forces in Europe this season, winning the Premier League already and will be facing Chelsea in the Champions League finals. Kevin De Bruyne, arguably the world’s best midfielder at the moment, has racked up a total of 17 assists in all competitions.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s resurgence since the start of 2021 has been surreal, and he is on course to win the La Liga top scorer award (29 goals) for another time. The Argentine continues to be one of the main creative forces for Barcelona, and his penchant for killer passes, through balls, could be matched by none.
