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The 2021-22 campaign has been an enthralling ride so far, with goals being scored for fun. Strikers and center forwards have understandably had a great campaign but the reason behind the same is the presence of sublime playmakers. These are the players who can make or break a game.
So while goals are the reason a team edges their opponent, creating them is the bigger challenge at times. Moreover, breaking down teams with tight defenses is extremely hard. A wonderful cross or a threatening pass between the lines can change the complexion of the game. Some players have managed to excel in this department more than the rest this season.
On that note, let's take a look at six players with more than 10 assists across Europe's top five leagues this season.
6) Benjamin Bourigeaud- 11
Benjamin Bourigeaud has been the main reason behind Rennes' success in Ligue 1 this season as they sit third in the table. The central midfielder has produced all-action performances week-after-week this season.
Although his defensive numbers are just as good, Bourigeaud has done an impeccable job for his club this term. Dictating the play from the center of the pitch, his passes beyond the opposition defenders have been a touch of class.
His short passes have been just as impressive, as evident by his 11 assists in 30 league appearances so far.
Bourigeaud also has six goals to his name this season and is likely to add more to his tally by the end of this campaign.
#5 Karim Benzema- 11
Karim Benzema is aging like a fine wine and is the main man for Real Madrid again this season. His recent return from injury depicted his importance to the 13-time Champions League winners.
Los Blancos are leading the charge to win La Liga this season, thanks to Benzema's 24 league goals. They lead second-placed Barcelona by 12 points with the Blaugrana having a game in hand. However, during this process, Benzema's creative side has gone under the radar.
The Frenchman is an excellent facilitator for his side and often drops deep to allow the wingers to occupy the space left behind by him. He has the ability to produce deft touches in and around the box, coupled with an eye for an assist. This has helped him register 11 assists in 26 league appearances so far along with his 24 goals.
Real Madrid will be hoping Benzema can do the same until the end of the campaign as they look to add more silverware in their illustrious cabinet.
#4 Christopher Nkunku- 11
Christopher Nkunku has taken his game to the next level this season. The 24-year-old ace is an integral reason behind RB Leipzig still battling for a top four spot in the Bundesliga.
He is quick, thrifty and smooth with the ball but Nkunku's main asset lies in his footballing intelligence. The French forward occupies great areas in and around the penalty box while also switching positions with the wingers at times. This confuses opposition defenders and it becomes hard to keep track of him.
The Leipzig ace always makes his passes count in the final third. This is the reason behind his 13 assists in 28 games in the Bundesliga this season.
Nkunku has also scored 16 league goals this season and has enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career so far.
#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold-11
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been quite sensational for Liverpool since breaking onto the scene in the 2017-18 season. The current campaign has been no different and the budding full-back has been at the center of everything good that Liverpool have produced this term.
The Englishman is a masterful crosser of the ball and puts the ball in dangerous areas in the six-yard box. This makes it easy for Liverpool's forwards to get their head on the ball with relative ease. So it is no surprise that Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah have scored more than 10 league goals this season.
Alexander-Arnold is also an expert set-piece taker and is a major threat through free-kicks and corners. He has 11 Premier League assists this season and leads the assists charts in the league.
Liverpool are still in the hunt to win the quadruple this year and if Alexander-Arnold is on song, a lot is possible for the Reds.
#2 Kylian Mbappe- 13
Kylian Mbappe is the hottest property in world football at the moment and he proves his case for the same week-after-week.
Sizzling movement, expert finishing and a wild runner, Mbappe has all the qualities to succeed at the top for a long time to come. His 17 Ligue 1 goals in 27 games have helped Paris Saint-Germain secure a comfortable 12-point lead at the top of the table.
While the Parisians do have several top players in their team, their highest goal-scorer is also their main supplier for goals. He has made 13 assists in the league so far this season and leads the league's assists charts.
Mbappe's pace and ability to find the right pass during counter attacks help him rack up assists game-after-game. Already a complete forward, PSG will be hoping to retain his services once his contract expires in the summer.
#1 Thomas Muller- 16
Thomas Muller may be turning 33 this year but is still the heart and soul of Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants are hoping to lift the league title again this season and their age-old playmaker has helped his side in achieving that objective.
Although having Robert Lewandowski play ahead of you is a massive boost, the Polish forward is just as lucky to have Muller play behind him. The German playmaker has a great understanding of exploiting space and then using it to his benefit. Moreover, he can play incredible passes with both his feet while his aerial presence cannot be underestimated either.
Muller has 16 league assists in 27 games to his name this season and could touch the 20-mark before the end of the campaign.
