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The 2020-21 Premier League played host to some of the game's elite talents, with a large chunk of them set to feature in the upcoming Euros and Copa America. While forwards receive most of the plaudits for getting on the scoresheet, a goal is often created by quality playmakers supporting the forward.
In recent years, more and more emphasis has been laid on playmakers, who make teams tick, something that has been especially evident in the Premier League. An immaculate pass is one of the best sights on a football pitch and is extremely crucial in creating a goalscoring chance.
On that note, let’s take a look at the five players with the most key passes in the recently-concluded Premier League season.
#5 Trent Alexander-Arnold | 77
Young Liverpool full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the most promising defenders in European football.
While the right-back has received criticism this season for his defensive frailties, Alexander-Arnold remains one of the most explosive full-backs in the game. He was one of the key players in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League-winning teams. Alexander-Arnold, with his play on the wings, allowed the Reds to get the ball in the wide spaces.
The 22-year-old is also one of the best crossers in the game. He registered a 23% crossing accuracy in the 2020-21 Premier League season. Alexander-Arnold was previously a winger, who has evolved into a full-back, which is evident in his attacking play.
The Englishman has registered 297 crosses and 151 accurate long balls in the Premier League, doing so at an average of over 66 passes per match. Alexander-Arnold had an xA (expected assists) of 8.1 this league season, primarily due to his tally of 77 key passes.
#4 Kevin De Bruyne | 80
When it comes to assists and passing, be it any type of pass, it is difficult to look beyond Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgium international is one of the most skilled players in Europe and has received widespread plaudits for his stellar passing range. In 25 Premier League appearances this season, De Bruyne racked up 12 assists, doing so at an xA of 10.2, one of the highest this campaign.
The 29-year-old averaged over 50 passes per match in the 2020-21 Premier League and registered a crossing accuracy of 27% and 64 accurate long balls. In 39 appearances across all competitions this season, De Bruyne has amassed a tally of ten goals and 18 assists at an xA of 13.
De Bruyne is one of the premier playmakers in the game, recording 142 shot-creating actions in the 2020-21 Premier League. With a passing accuracy of 76%, De Bruyne had 80 key passes to his name in Manchester City’s victorious 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
#3 Jack Grealish | 81
Jack Grealish has been Aston Villa’s most influential player this Premier League season. That is evident in the fact that Villa won only three of their 12 Premier League games without their captain.
After shinbone injury ruled Grealish out of action for the best part of three months, Aston Villa struggled massively in his absence. A member of Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for the Euros, Grealish returned to action in the penultimate week of the 2020-21 Premier League.
In his first two starting appearances since his long layoff, Aston Villa emerged 2-1 winners over Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. That is a testament to the massive pedigree, class and leadership ability possessed by the 25-year-old.
Despite making fewer Premier League appearances this season than anyone on this list, Grealish recorded a whopping 81 key passes from just 26 Premier League appearances. The left-winger was directly involved in 18 goals (six goals, 12 assists) in the 2020-21 Premier League.
#2 Mason Mount | 87
Mason Mount, the Chelsea academy graduate, has been one of the Blues’ starring names this season. He played a massive role in Chelsea's top-four finish, securing Champions League football on the last day of the season.
Mount made 36 Premier League appearances in 2020-21, taking part in 85% of Chelsea’s league minutes this season. The 22-year-old notched up six goals and five assists during the campaign and showcased a wide range of passing.
Mount averaged 47.28 passes per match in the 2020-21 Premier League, registering a passing accuracy of 82.3% and tallying over 1700 passes. The attacking midfielder was joint-second in the goals and assists tally by a Chelsea player during the league campaign.
With a crossing accuracy of 35%, Mount is one of the best crossers of the ball in the game. The youngster created 13 'big chances' along with 87 key passes during the 2020-21 Premier League.
#1 Bruno Fernandes | 95
Bruno Fernandes has taken the Premier League by storm since his arrival in the 2020 January transfer window.
There’s very little the Portuguese magnifico can’t do. He was recently adjudged Manchester United’s Player of the Year for the second season running. After a spectacular cameo in the 2019-20 season, Fernandes elevated his game to a higher level this season.
The 26-year-old became the highest-scoring (28 goals) Premier League midfielder in a single season in all competitions, breaking Frank Lampard’s tally of 27 goals in the 2009-10 season. Fernandes also displayed immaculate passing this season, tallying 12 assists to his name in the Premier League at an xA of 11.
Fernandes’ xA stats are one of the highest in the 2020-21 Premier League, which is largely due to his tally of 95 key passes. The Portuguese successfully completed 2,112 passes in the league, averaging over 57 passes per game.
