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Costa, Gomis, Giroud - It may be the goalscorers that grab the headlines but if it weren’t for the playmakers behind them, these action-packed, goal-bonanzas we’re used to in the Premier League would be reduced to dull, lifeless affairs.
Traditionally, the playmaker for the team plays in the No.10 position, right behind the striker – in the hole between the opposition defence and midfield. In recent times, however, the position of wide playmaker has taken off, with the likes of Hazard, Ozil, Sigurdsson and Mata creating chances for their respective strikers to latch onto.
The 2015/16 Premier League is still in its infancy, but there are already a few players that have already established themselves as an attacking threat, providing their team with goalscoring opportunities.
Who are the top five Premier League footballers, with respect to chances created already this season? The list makes for a very interesting read; while some of the usual suspects do make the list, the top chance creator so far make surprise you.
| No. | Player | Club | Chances Created | Assists |
| 1 | Jonjo Shelvey | Swansea City | 13 | 1 |
| 2 | Santi Cazorla | Arsenal | 12 | 1 |
| 2 | Mesut Ozil | Arsenal | 10 | 1 |
| 4 | David Silva | Manchester City | 10 | 3 |
| 5 | Eden Hazard | Chelsea | 9 | 1 |
It isn’t surprising to see Hazard making the list as he continues to be Chelsea’s attacking outlet, while Silva’s contribution with 3 assists already has been key to Manchester City being at the top of the Premier League table.
Two of Arsenal’s key midfielders find themselves in the top 3 – the presence of Ozil on the list will especially excite the club’s fans, after a sub-par first season from the German international.
Notable exclusions include last time’s top assist maker, Cesc Fabregas, who is yet to add an assist this season, and also the absence of any Manchester United, Liverpool or Tottenham players.
The most surprising and impressive inclusion on the list is the leader of the pack, Jonjo Shelvey. The Swansea midfielder created an average of 4.33 chances per game for the front trio of Ayew, Gomis and Montero.
Will such performances get Shelvey a spot in the English National team, and how will his performances impact Swansea’s league position at the end of the season?
