Search

The Premier League's Top Ten Creators

We're not talking set-piece specialists so there's no room for Juan Mata or Steven Gerrard. Top of the list is Luis Suarez but you might be shocked at who's at no 3)...

Post a Comment:

Comments 1 - 10 of (13)

HarryBoulton says...

I'm glad fictionalemu had his question answered because it's always been something that I never quite grasped, when people refer to "a chance". Now I know. It's a pass that leads to a shot. It doesn't surprise me that there are no United players in here. RvP takes more shots than he creates chances, and the support players around him have been chopped and changed all season anyway. Rooney's been in and out, as has Kagawa. Valencia, Young and Nani have had their worst seasons in living memory, so they've hardly been setting the world alight so far. When you think about it, given that so many of our attacking players have been tragically out of form or fitness, it's a miracle that we find ourselves 12 points clear.

Posted 8:20am 1st March 2013

Mulsey says...

odd to use the percantage of key passes as key passes vs accurate passes. It would be much more meaningful (still not very) to use attempted passes.

Posted 12:19am 1st March 2013

fictionalemu says...

@editor, thanks for the info. Have to admit, it just reinforces my belief that football isn't a game that can be easily (or at least usefully) broken down into stats. Unlike cricket or baseball, which are essentially a series of similar, one-off events with a relatively limited number of permutations that can be broken down and categorised, football is far more nebulous and harder to statistically analyse. For me, deciding the league's 'top creators' purely on the basis of how many of their passes have led to shots is, though not completely invalid, at least of extremely limited use.

Posted 5:48pm 28th February 2013

MCFC87 (Manchester City) says...

I remember Lambert against us (City) on the opening day of the season - absolute handful. Really enjoy watching him, and to be fair, Southampton too.

Posted 5:31pm 28th February 2013

sim2kuk (Southampton) says...

The only people who will be 'surprised' at Rickie Lamberts inclusion in this list are those that don't watch Southampton. As well as being our leading scorer for the last 4 years, he has had a massive influence assist wise: Based on League games 2009-2010 - 29 goals, 13 assists 2010-2011 - 21 goals, 13 assists 2011-2012 - 27 goals, 14 assists So far this season - 12 goals, 7 assists Someone remind me why he isn't playing for England please...

Posted 4:58pm 28th February 2013

wezmond (Manchester United) says...

More surprised there's no Mata than no United player, United's chances come from all over the pitch this year

Posted 2:53pm 28th February 2013

redgenesis (Manchester United) says...

It's interesting that there is no single main creative force in the United team, which definitely means more people are pulling the weight. However, is it only me that thinks creating just 2 or so real scoring chances per game is pretty poor for some of the world's best creative talents? I'm amazed... assuming we all play to our respective levels, i'd be disappointed if I didn't create at least 4/5 shooting chances per game on a weekend.

Posted 2:37pm 28th February 2013

gbbcdl (Watford) says...

No united player shows the strength of the squad or is that a lack of quality from them?

Posted 2:27pm 28th February 2013

Editor says ...

It mostly shows that they score a lot of goals from set-pieces.

fictionalemu says...

I've always wondered, what is a 'chance created'? How is it defined and who judges it? A 'chance' seems like such a vague concept. I assume you mean a 'chance' to score a goal, but a goal can be scored from anywhere on the pitch, so where do you draw the line? Also, if a player puts a dangerous cross into the six-yard box that should be gobbled up by a striker, but said striker has been too slow in movement or thought to get on the end of it, does that count as a chance created? Or is it only a chance if the ball actually gets to a striker? If anyone behind this article, or a reader more versed in such things than me, could explain, I'd be very grateful.

Posted 1:40pm 28th February 2013

Editor says ...

It's a slightly flawed stat in that it counts passes that lead to shots - so no, a ball across the box is not counted. It's a good indication of creativity but clearly should be taken with the caveats you mentioned.

hump3 (Ipswich Town) says...

Infamy, infamy, 365 has it infamy. Would no Man U players being included demonstrate a beter unity and balance of the team as a whole. Like a regular commenter, more Synergy?

Posted 12:24pm 28th February 2013

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Latest Photos

Footer 365

League Two: Aidy Boothroyd promises Northampton will bounce back

Aidy Boothroyd was disappointed after Northampton's 3-0 defeat to Bradford but promised that Town will bounce back.

Beckham to captain PSG

David Beckham will captain Paris Saint-Germain in his last ever home match on Saturday, according to Sky sources.

League Two play-off final: Phil Parkinson hails his Bradford players

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson hailed his players after they beat Northampton 3-0 at Wembley to earn promotion.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

Site Map

Our Network

Websites

Partners

Betting & Gaming

Mobile, Fun & Games

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved