Europe’s top 10 chance creators in 2022-23: Messi, KDB, Saka & more
Players from the likes of PSG, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been amongst the best chance creators in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
It will come as no surprise to learn that Lionel Messi ranks highly. The PSG superstar has produced 219 shot-creating actions in the league alone this season.
With 32 goal contributions in 31 Ligue 1 appearances, Messi has been back to his playmaking best. His relationship with Kylian Mbappe has only been enhanced this year and the pair have dominated their domestic competition.
However, Bruno Fernandes leads the way. Fernandes has taken on more responsibility under Erik ten Hag and played a key role in their improvement this term.
Elsewhere, Kevin De Bruyne has enjoyed another strong season. The 31-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with Erling Haaland this year which has every back-line in Europe on edge.
De Bruyne is at his playmaking best when he is given a license to roam and Pep Guardiola has given him just that this year. With 18 assists to show for his league campaign, 2022-23 ranks as one of his best-ever campaigns.
Kieran Trippier also makes the top five, while the Arsenal duo of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard aren’t far behind either with over 160 shot-creating actions each.
The Gunners have scored 88 goals this season, which is only second to Man City in the Premier League.
Elsewhere in Europe, Antoine Griezmann continues to dazzle for Atletico Madrid and there’s a couple of surprise names floating about too.
We’ve collected the data and have ranked the top 10 players in Europe’s top five leagues by how many shot-creating actions they have produced this season in their respective leagues.
1. Bruno Fernandes – 219 shot-creating actions
2. Lionel Messi – 189 shot-creating actions
3. Kieran Trippier – 178 shot-creating actions
4. Kevin De Bruyne – 176 shot-creating actions
5. Remy Cabella – 174 shot-creating actions
=6. Jonas Hoffmann – 163 shot-creating actions
=6. Martin Odegaard – 163 shot-creating actions
=8. Benjamin Bourigeaud – 161 shot-creating actions
=8. Bukayo Saka – 161 shot-creating actions
10. Antoine Griezmann – 158 shot-creating actions
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