TOP 10 best passers in Premier League history

In addition to the plethora of cannonballers with a huge number of goals scored, the history of the Premier League is interwoven with a decent number of playmakers who were more used to setting up chances and entering them in the assist column of the match reports. But who has crept into the top ten players with the highest number of goal assists?

10. Kevin de Bruyne

Manchester City’s current star is garnering praise for his creative ability from all quarters. The Belgian stopper is arguably the most important man in Pep Guardiola’s squad, and although the Catalan strategist’s team is packed with stars, even they are happy to hand the ball to De Bruyne to come up with something at crucial moments.

One of the best footballers of today has come a long way since his unwanted stint at Chelsea. He currently has 78 assists to his name and ninth-placed David Beckham can slowly prepare his congratulations.

9. David Beckham

To this day, he is rightfully an icon for Manchester United and Real Madrid. He has sent centre after centre into the box from the right touchline. Few have been able to place the ball on the head or foot of a teammate as accurately as David Beckham.

Fans at Old Trafford remember the London native fondly. His 80-goal haul shudders under the onslaught of De Bruyne, but even for a possible tenth place finish, it is a pretty solid achievement.

8. James Milner

Perhaps not the much anticipated name, but the Liverpool worker certainly has his place here. Aside from his accurate passing, he is valued for his all-round footballing ability, among other things. He can reliably play in defence, midfield and even on the wing when needed.

The Leeds United graduate also has the fifth highest number of games played in the top English league. He has 85 assists so far.

7. Steven Gerrard

The legend of the red part of Liverpool is undoubtedly one of the best ever players to grace the English football scene. In the middle of the pitch, the charismatic footballer in the red jersey and with the captain’s armband on his left arm. A typical image that was offered with iron regularity to the fans at Anfield Road.

The former captain of the England national team with the number eight on his jersey recorded 92 goals in his time at Premier League stadiums.

6. David Silva

The Spanish left-footed virtuoso currently kicks for Real Sociedad, but has spent the most significant part of his prolific career with Manchester City. He has shone under the baton of Pep Guardiola in particular. In midfield, he proved that you certainly don’t need to be a tall and physically strong player to succeed. Especially if you can conjure up a pass that leaves you speechless.

Guardiola once said of him that Silva was their Messi. That in itself is telling enough. During his time in England, he set up 93 goals for his teammates.

5. Dennis Bergkamp

The Dutch striker was groomed for big-time football at Ajax Amsterdam. However, he also dished out goals at Inter Milan and Arsenal London. He was well remembered for his elegance in addition to his great numbers. It was a joy to see Dennis Berkamp’s signature football.

In England, he enjoyed three league titles. Before he retired from active career in 2006, he managed to play 315 games for the Gunners, during which he accumulated 94 assists.

4. Frank Lampard

Like Gerrard, he wore the number eight on his back, although understandably in a blue jersey. There are more similarities with fellow Gerrard. Great execution of direct free kicks, precise passes, leadership skills.

Lampard may have somewhat tarnished his reputation with Blues fans with his move to Manchester City, but it hasn’t changed his love for the Stamford Bridge club. The top scorer in Chelsea history has notched up 102 assists in 609 Premier League games.

3. Wayne Rooney

Although born in Liverpool, the most famous part of his career was with one of the Reds’ arch rivals, Manchester United, where he spent 13 years. After a hugely successful Euro 2004, a Red Devils directive sent £25 million to Everton for him and a new chapter at Old Trafford began to be written.

Pitbull, as he was nicknamed for his incredible combativeness and willingness to leave absolutely everything on the pitch, was also a very proficient technician, which allowed him to dish out 103 accurate goal passes, and win an imaginary bronze medal among passers.

2. Cesc Fàbregas

Another highlight of the golden era of Spanish football, another of Vincent Del Bosque’s brilliant midfielders. At his native Barcelona, he didn’t see a way to push for minutes in the A-team, so he opted to move under the wing of Arsene Wenger and Arsenal respectively. And he did very well.

He fitted into Wenger’s system exactly and it didn’t take long before he became an absolutely key part of the Gunners’ line-up and soon started donning the captain’s armband before every game. He had the hard-to-rehearse passing flair, vision and technique to actually send a through pass exactly as intended. He has 111 assists to his credit.

1. Ryan Giggs

The prototype of the English expression “One club man”. Throughout his professional career he proudly defended the colours of Manchester United, for whom he played 14 seasons. On the left side of midfield, Ryan Giggs was on a rampage, sending one centred ball after another into the sixteen, just like David Beckham on the other side.

The accuracy of his left foot was legendary and the strikers playing in front of him were sure to get the right service. In total, he won the league title thirteen times, contributing 162 assists during his time at Old Trafford.

Source: Premier League, Transfermarkt