Three Premier League creative geniuses make the top five…
5) Mesut Ozil – Arsenal – 0.7 accurate through balls per game
The German playmaker has started his career at Arsenal since his £42m move from Real Madrid brilliantly. He scored his first goal for the Gunners in the Champions League victory over Napoli on Tuesday night, and has already registered three assists in the league. It’s no surprise that he averages more perfect through-balls than nearly every player in Europe either.
4) Francesco Totti – Roma – 0.7 accurate through balls per game
The veteran Italian was awarded a two year contract extension with Roma over the summer, and he is seemingly still at his creative best for the current Serie A league leaders. The 37-year-old has lit up the Italian league this season with his brilliant creative ability.
3) Coutinho – Liverpool – 0.8 accurate through balls per game
Liverpool’s Brazilian magician has been badly missed since he injured his shoulder against Swansea in September, with the Reds only winning again once Luis Suarez had returned from suspension. Coutinho floats between the lines and uses his wonderful skill to find space before playing in the onrushing Daniel Sturridge.
2) David Silva – Manchester City – 1 accurate through balls per game
Silva has only played three Premier League matches this season due to injury troubles, but he played a sumptuous through ball in each one of them. The Spaniard could return against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, and Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted to have the star of City’s 2011/12 title win back in his side.
1) Cesc Fabregas – Barcelona – 1.3 accurate through balls per game
No player in European football has played more accurate through balls than Barcelona’s Spanish sensation this season. Despite the wealth of midfield talent at the Catalan club, Fabregas is a first-choice starter under Gerardo Martino, who has yet to lose a match. Fabregas plays his wonderful teammates through on goal, an average of 1.3 times per match.
Statistics courtesy of Whoscored.
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