Ben Stewart
The most creative players in the Champions League: Neymar, De Bruyne, Jota
We’ve counted down the top 10 most creative players in the Champions League this season based off their shot-creating actions.
We’re only two gameweeks into this Champions League campaign, but Europe’s best creative talent is already shining through.
10. Neymar
Neymar is arguably the best player in the world right now with how well he has started the 22/23 campaign.
The Brazilian winger has two goal contributions in his first two Champions League matches and has made 10 shot-creating actions.
In Ligue 1, Neymar leads the way for goals and assists with 15 goal contributions all togther.
9. Piotr Zielinski
The Polish international put in a starring performance in Napoli’s 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool as he scored two goals as well as grabbing an assist.
Piotr Zielinski has produced 11 shot-creating actions in his first two Champions League matches.
8. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is the second Napoli player to appear on the list who also had a notable performance against Liverpool.
The former Fulham midfielder has made 11 shot-creating actions and has two goal contributions in his first two European matches of the season.
7. Kamal Sowah
Club Brugge have started their European campaign well with two wins from their opening two matches.
The Belgian side edged past Bayer Leverkusen before they dismantled Porto 4-0.
Kamal Sowah has been their most creative player this season, with a total of 12 shot-creating actions.
6. Kevin De Bruyne
When we’re talking about creativity, Kevin De Bruyne is always expected to be up and around the top of the rankings.
Man City have won their opening two European matches, scoring six goals in the process.
De Bruyne assisted a goal in each of their matches and has produced 12 shot-creating actions in total.
5. Rafa Silva
Benfica recorded an impressive win against Juventus on gameweek two of the Champions League and Rafa Silva has had an important role to play.
The Portuguese playmaker has produced a total of 12 shot-creating actions across his first two matches.
4. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi seems to have fully settled into his surroundings in Paris now and he is back to being one of the best creative forces in Europe.
Messi has a goal and an assist in his first two European matches and he has produced a total of 13 shot-creating actions.
The Argentine playmaker already has eight assists in all competitions this season as he looks to be getting back to his best.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold got his fair share of criticism after his performance against Napoli, but he still ranks as one of the best creative outlets in Europe.
The Liverpool defender produced four key passes against Ajax in Liverpool’s 2-1 win, which looked like a return to form for Alexander-Arnold.
In total, he has produced 14 shot-creating actions in the Champions League so far this season.
2. Jota
Celtic’s Jota has eight goal contributions in the Scottish League this season and he has been their best creative outlet in Europe this season.
After losing against Real Madrid in the opening gameweek, Celtic managed to grab a point against Shakhtar Donetsk in their following game.
Overall, Jota has produced 15 shot-creating actions, at an average of 8.13 per 90.
1. Ousmane Dembele
Barcelona finally seem to be getting the best out of Ousmane Dembele, who has had an excellent start to life under Xavi.
The French winger currently ranks as one of the most creative players in La Liga and he tops the list as the most creative player in the Champions League this season.
Dembele has produced a total of 15 shot-creating actions in his first two Champions League matches of the season at a rate of 8.82 per 90.