By those who work in it and report on it, the Premier League is dubbed the greatest league in the world and that is probably a reasonable claim. This season saw an all-English final in both the Europa League and the Champions League while clubs in the top flight are raking in more money than any of their European competitors.
When you look at the number of talented players in the Premier League, it is no wonder that the quality of football is so high. Yet, when we delve into the numbers, there are some who stand out as unexpectedly creative maestros. With that in mind, we have taken a look at those individuals who have created the most chances based on InStat Football data.
Ryan Fraser – Bournemouth
Matches played: 37
Chances created: 42
Premier League rank: 3rd
Ryan Fraser has now provided more assists in the Premier League this season (14) than any other player.
The Playmaker Award is in sight. ? pic.twitter.com/h9inetORej
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 4, 2019
The Scottish right-back has been a sensational outlet for The Cherries this season. He has created 42 chances and had an expected assists (xA) rating of 11.78, which he has amazingly outperformed with 13 assists. There is no surprise that Arsenal has been linked to the former Aberdeen man, a signing that could well improve the team’s odds of reaching the top four in 2019-10, currently 11/10 in Premier League betting markets.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – Fulham
Matches played: 37
Chances created: 37
Premier League rank: 11th
The big Serbian forward is known for his hold up play and tenacity in the box but perhaps not so much as a creative player, yet he averaged a chance created per game in the Premier League for Fulham – despite the club having an abject season. A lot of these chances are likely to have been created for himself, as his three assists compared to 11 goals suggest, but the player is often overlooked as one who can create a chance from nothing.
Salomon Rondon – Newcastle
Matches played: 32
Chances created: 32
Premier League rank: 22nd
Más confío en el trabajo que en la suerte. ¡A por el próximo reto!
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No pain, no gain. On to the next challenge!! pic.twitter.com/8cqWKRVu2m— Salomón Rondón (@salorondon23) May 16, 2019
The Venezuelan football player doesn’t get the credit he deserves, but his stats speak for themselves. During the 2018-19 campaign, he scored 11 goals and assisted a further seven for a struggling Newcastle side in the Premier League. It is his off-the-ball play that is so strong yet often goes unnoticed. He draws defenders away from midfield runners, drops deep to bring others into the play, and peels off the back of defenders in an intelligent way that is constantly helping him create openings for others. His services will be highly sought after this summer.
Ashley Barnes – Burnley
Matches played: 37
Chances created: 29
Premier League rank: 29th
Another strong centre-forward who is not thought of as a creative player, yet his ratio is pretty impressive. As with Salomon Rondon, the Burnley man makes chances with excellent hold-up play, intelligent movement and an ability to outmuscle defenders. He only had two assists during the last campaign, which perhaps say more about his teammate’s efficiency in front of goal rather than his creative talents.
