Bruno Fernandes is on pace to shatter his personal record for most assists in a Premier League season, but where does he rank amongst the all-time greats?
They often say the hardest thing to do in football is score goals, but behind every great number nine is a creative midfielder or winger putting their chances on a plate.
best-premier-league-strikers-all-time Related
20 Best Strikers in Premier League History Ranked
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From David Silva to David Beckham, some of the most iconic players in Premier League history have been creators, with the player with the most assists each year awarded the Playmaker of the Season crown.
Fernandes is currently on pace to end with 14 assists, but that would see him just miss out on the greatest playmaking seasons of all time...
Ranking factors
Assists in a single Premier League season
If tied, the player with more goals that season places higher
15 David Beckham (1999–2000, Manchester United)
15 assists
david-beckham-man-utd-intercontinental-cup
Beckham’s delivery was at its peak as United chased titles on multiple fronts. He is undoubtedly the greatest pure crosser in English football history.
14 David Silva (2011–12, Manchester City)
15 assists
david-silva-man-city
Silva’s close control and spatial awareness helped unlock packed defences all season. A player who pundits thought looked weak on arrival in Manchester, he is one of the league's greatest ever players.
13 Robert Pires (2001–02, Arsenal)
15 assists
Viiera Pires Henry Cole Arsenal 2004
A key figure in Arsenal’s Double-winning side, Pires combined goals, movement and creativity from the wing, thriving in Wenger’s fluid attacking system.
12 Eden Hazard (2018–19, Chelsea)
15 assists
Belgium's Eden Hazard
Belgium's Eden Hazard
Hazard carried Chelsea’s attack almost single-handedly, blending elite dribbling with consistent chance creation to cement himself as one of the Blues' greatest legends.
11 Kevin De Bruyne (2022–23, Manchester City)
16 assists
De-Bruyne-Haaland-Gundogan-Rodri
Get ready to see this man on the list a few more times, with his "worst" season on the rankings coming thanks to his partnership with Erling Haaland.
10 Kevin De Bruyne (2017–18, Manchester City)
16 assists
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after the match
In the Centurions season, De Bruyne combined elite chance creation with solid goal output from midfield, playing a central role in one of the most dominant teams the league has seen.
9 Eric Cantona (1992–93, Manchester United)
16 assists
Ian Wright Eric Cantona Arsenal Man Utd 1996
The Premier League’s inaugural season, and Cantona set an immediate benchmark while also being United’s main goal threat. His blend of goals, assists and entertainment factor may still be unmatched today.
8 Cesc Fàbregas (2007–08, Arsenal)
17 assists
cesc-fabregas-arsenal-free-kick
At just 20, Fàbregas ran Arsenal’s midfield during their long unbeaten run, proving himself as one of the next generation of Spanish superstars.
7 Cesc Fàbregas (2014–15, Chelsea)
18 assists
cesc-fabregas-chelsea-premier-league
Fàbregas prioritised orchestration over scoring during his time at Chelsea, replacing what he lost in pace by dictating the tempo of games.
6 Kevin De Bruyne (2016–17, Manchester City)
18 assists
David Silva De Bruyne
Guardiola’s first season saw De Bruyne operating higher up the pitch, contributing both goals and assists while City’s attack became more fluid, providing for Sergio Aguero and the wingers drifting in from the flanks.