Man City legend is still the most creative player in the Premier League
James Maddison was ahead of the pack all season but he was just keeping the creative seat warm for the brilliant Kevin de Bruyne.
We’re not counting the assist-makers because that relies on the chances being taken and we’re not counting the key passes because that is also pretty narrow; we are all about the SCA (Shot creating actions), defined as ‘the two offensive actions directly leading to a shot, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls’ by FBRef.
These are the leaders this season for SCAs per 90 minutes…
1) Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City) – 7.36 SCAs per 90 mins
Class really is permanent. Logged his 10th assist of the season v Tottenham in just his 17th game. Now to try and replace him…
2) James Maddison (Tottenham) – 6.79
The summer signing adapted to Spurs and Ange-ball seamlessly but a serious injury took its toll and there’s no doubt that he returned rather less dynamic. There were signs of that familiar creative brilliance when he returned v Burnley, logged seven SCAs and claimed his eighth assist of the season.
3) Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) – 6.41
Particularly excellent by the end of the season, logging a ludicrous 15 SCAs v Chelsea as Arsenal won 5-0.
4) Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) – 6.20
Definitely a lack of end product but he creates carnage with the ball at his feet. Just the 15 SCAs v Luton, is it? And back-to-back assists v Aston Villa and the Hatters. He made a big contribution v Spurs as the title was almost sealed, then provided a glorious assist against West Ham to properly lock it up.
5) Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – 6.06
At the creative heart of Manchester United whether they are absolutely awful or slightly less awful.
6) Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 5.80
Nine Premier League assists for the season was a fine return for someone who has rarely played so few as just 35 games.
7) Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) – 5.79
Scored two goals v Manchester United but also logged nine SCAs. What a phenomenal player. He will have his pick of big clubs this summer.
8) Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 5.59
The one bright spot for Chelsea in a pretty dismal season at times before they turned things around; he can take some pleasure from being ahead of many of his old City teammates here, including Phil Foden.
9) Luis Diaz (Liverpool) – 5.58
Becoming a particularly effective forward (if you ignore the wayward finishing).
10) Pascal Gross (Brighton) – 5.35
His dead balls are particularly brilliant but he is an all-round creative force.
