The Premier League’s Top Creators in 2021/22

Goal scorers generally get all the plaudits in the media but sometimes in football, the pass is even more important than the finish.

This article takes a look at the top five players in the Premier League who have made the most assists, breaking down their other stats such as big chances created, passes per game as well the goals they’ve scored. 

Look no further if you want to know who the most effective playmakers were in the English top flight in 2021/22. 

 

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool’s Egyptian king Mohamed Salah had another near-supernatural season for the Reds. Unbelievably, the winger became just the seventh player in history to win the Golden boot and finish with the most assists in the same Premier League season. He is in good company too, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Robin Van Persie sharing the accolade. 

His assists and excellent vision have been key to Liverpool’s successes in recent seasons, suiting the Reds’ characteristic 4-3-3 formation perfectly. The likes of Mane, Firmino, Jota and Dias are undoubtedly grateful for his presence. 

Had it not been for Karim Benzema’s incredible campaign with Madrid, Salah’s playmaking and goalscoring abilities would have put him odds-on favourite for the Ballon D’or later this year. 

Played: 35
Passes per game: 30.82
Big chances created: 18
Goals: 23
Assists: 13

 

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The fact that there are three Liverpool players in this list really speaks to their fantastic form and slick playing style. Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely renowned as one of the most creative full-backs in the world at the moment – and for good reason. 

The England international picked up an impressive 12 assists in the 2021/22 campaign, beating his previous season’s tally of seven, showing the 22-year-old is only getting better. 
A versatile player, Trent has the ability to move into the middle of midfield when required to ping passes to the Reds’ front three, as well as to bomb down the wing and whip in an inch-perfect cross. 

Played: 32
Passes per game: 67.34
Big chances created: 18
Goals: 2
Assists: 12

 

Harvey Barnes

A player who is often overlooked but clearly has bags of ability, Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes chalked up an impressive 10 assists in 2021/22. He also chipped in with six goals, created eight big chances that were not converted and averaged 22 passes per game. 

Barnes had so much hype surrounding him a couple of years ago, but people don’t seem to have noticed that he actually improved his goals and assists tally in 2021/22, despite the Foxes having a difficult season. 

The 24-year-old doesn’t seem to be in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans at the moment, despite earning a well-deserved call-up in 2020, so he will have to hit the ground running in August to change the England boss’ mind. 

Played: 32
Passes per game: 22
Big chances created: 8
Goals: 6
Assists: 10

The best defensive sides across Europe: Juventus, Liverpool, Sevilla

 

Jarrod Bowen

One player who does seem to be in the fold to head to Qatar with England is West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen, who enjoyed his best Premier League season to date, getting an impressive 12 goals and 10 assists for the Hammers. 

Bowen has had to work hard to play at the highest level, beginning his career in the Conference League with Hereford United in 2014. He then enjoyed a successful six-year stint at Hull City, scoring 52 in 124 league games for the club. 

But now he is very much at the peak of his powers and with him on top form, England really do have a big asset in their ranks, with his playmaking ability improving dramatically with each season. 

Played: 36
Passes per game: 19.83
Big chances created: 9
Goals: 12
Assists: 10

 

Mason Mount

Another England asset and young superstar, Mason Mount has once again shown he can perform at the highest level of football. 

Creating 10 big chances, assisting 10 goals and scoring 11 across the 2021/22 season, Mount is exactly the kind of player you need to make and convert chances and has unsurprisingly become a fan-favourite at Chelsea.

At just 23 years old, his potential is limitless and if he keeps improving as he has been doing, we could arguably be looking at one of England’s most creative midfielders in a generation.

Played: 32
Passes per game: 34.84
Big chances created: 10
Goals: 11
Assists: 10

Jack Grealish or Mason Mount for England - What do the stats say?

 

Andrew Robertson

Andrew Robertson is the third Liverpool player in this list and it’s perhaps unsurprising given Jurgen Klopp’s preferred system of playing with wingbacks. 

The flying Scotsman chalked up 10 assists and created nine big chances in 2021/22 helping his team to a 2nd place finish.

With the ability to run with the ball, supply effective crosses and also loves a great tackle, Robertson has quickly become very popular at Liverpool since joining in 2017 as he epitomises Jurgen Klopp's high-intensity playing style and he will continue to be vital for the Reds in the seasons to come. 

Played: 29
Passes per game: 66.5
Big chances created: 9
Goals: 3
Assists: 10