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It's been said that a team's greatness can practically be judged on its collective passing abilities.
A high percentage of successful passes means more possession, which in turn means higher chances to score and fewer chances to be scored against.
Then there is a great passers' knack for picking up a killer ball or setting his teammates up through on goal.
As the Premier League becomes more tactically sophisticated, the role of players with good passing ability increases.
Today we take a look at the best passers in the Premier League for the 2017-18 season so far.
#5 Fernandinho (Manchester City)
The proverbial unsung hero of Manchester City, Fernandinho has been a significant factor in the team's success in the Premier League this season.
Featured in 30 league games (a starter in 29 of these), the Brazilian boasts of a 90.1 percent pass success rate.
Fernandinho can be depended on for consistency in the midfield area, aswell as the odd goal.
He has scored 3 times this season and has provided 3 assists. A player with immense tactical intelligence, he is known to play in central midfield, aswell as being able to drop down to play in a more defensive position.
It's likely Fernandinho will be underrated in the near future, but his natural abilities are certainly a huge factor in making Manchester City the team that they are today.
All stats via premierleague, whoscored
#4 César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
A player that proves that great passing skills are not reserved for midfield players alone. In a season largely filled with disappointment, Azpilicueta's abilities have brought some comfort to fans of the London club.
Not only a player capable of making great tackles and interceptions, the Spaniard has completed 87 percent of his passes.
And while defenders generally prefer to either make safe and short passes or to blast the ball up-field, this defender likes to make his passes count.
Azpilicueta has provided six assists and has started in 31 out of 32 of Chelsea's Premier League games.
He could play an important role in Chelsea's attempt to rebuild the squad for next season and once again challenge for one of the top positions in the league.
#3 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
It's easy to forget just how good and consistent Hazard has been in one of football's best leagues.
The Belgian player had this to say in 2014: "I'm no Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo... but I'm catching up". And he has lived up to his promise, sitting as one of the top players in the world.
Chelsea has taken a step backwards in terms of form from last season, when they won the Premier League title.
But that hasn't stopped Hazard from putting in top-notch performances. Chelsea's #10 has scored 11 times and provided 3 assists so far.
His passing success rate stands at 83 percent, with his responsibilities including finding space for key passes, holding onto the ball and dictating the rhythm of Chelsea's attack.
It's yet to be seen if the London side can hold on to their talented player with numerous clubs looking for an opportunity to lure him away.
If they do, Chelsea will surely be one of the favourites for next seasons' Premier League battle.
#2 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
The most popular African player at the moment has had a dream year at Liverpool. Making use of his terrific form, the Reds have made it all the way through to the Champions League semi-finals.
At the time of writing this article, Salah has scored 29 times in the league, with Liverpool battling for second place.
There seems to be little the Egyptian cannot do. Goals, dribbling, key passes are all part of the course for the player. Salah has a 77 percent passing success rate in the Premier League, however the player often finds himself playing as an attacking midfielder or forward and needs to try riskier passes that can affect this percentage.
Salah doesn't just score but helps bring the best out of his team-mates, having made 9 assists in the Premier League so far.
The player is a favourite to win the award for Player of the year and Jurgen Klopp knows he will have a hard time holding on to him for next season.
If recent form is any indicator, Mohamed Salah could be on his way to building quite a legacy for himself.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The mastermind of a Manchester City team seemingly designed to retain possession at all times and make good use of it, De Bruyne has been in terrific form, winning the Man of the Match award on 8 occasions in the 32 games he has played for City in the Premier League.
The Belgian midfielder is depended on for providing the team's creativity, and he excels at crossing, through passes and long shots. He has scored 7 times and offered an incredible 15 goal assists.
His success rate in terms of passing is also very impressive. 83.9 percent of De Bruyne's passes have reached their target, a great score considering the player's role and responsibilities in Guardiola's team.
Manchester City are on their way to winning the Premier League, and Kevin de Bruyne perfectly encapsulates the playing philosophy that manager Pep Guardiola has tried to instill in his team.
