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Creativity on the pitch is one of the most difficult things to measure. A striker can be rated based on the number of goals he scores, and similarly, a defender can be rated by how many crucial interceptions or successful challenges he makes. Midfielders are usually rated based on their creativity, which is measured by a plethora of criteria, a few of them being through balls, long balls, assists, key passes, and big chances created.
A 'big chance created' is defined as providing an opportunity where the receiving player would reasonably be expected to score and manages to get a shot away. LaLiga has in the past, seen innumerable unparalleled midfielders. From Zidane and Ronaldinho to Xavi and Iniesta, and now Modric and Kroos, they have all brought their magic to this wonderful league.
But in this closely-fought season of the Spanish league, where Real Madrid are recuperating from the loss of their talisman, and Barcelona are still not as convincing as they would have been expected to be, let's have a look at the 5 players who have made the cut for creating the highest number of big chances.
5.Jonathan Silva
Probably the most unexpected entry into this list is the Leganes defender Jonathan Silva, who created 9 big chances this season. The loanee from sporting CP has been quite impressive so far in his spell at Leganes. He has an impressive 2.2 clearances per game, which coupled with his 74% tackles won, shows why Leganes would be happy to have an obligatory purchase option in his contract.
The Argentine has a whopping 5 assists so far this season, which is remarkably high for a defender. Though assigned a role at the back, he often drifts to the front and provides a much-required spark in the Leganes attack. With his market value increasing rapidly, he can hope for an international call-up soon.
4.Jordi Alba
The one player who has unquestionably benefited from Neymar's shock Barcelona exit is Jordi Alba. Since Neymar's departure, he has had the whole left flank to himself, giving him that little extra space that he needed to completely unleash his true potential.
The Spaniard has suddenly found a rejuvenated role under Ernesto Valverde and is now arguably the best fullback in the world. His sheer pace with the ball helps him tear through defenses, and slot in exquisite assists from the left side.
He has found a terrific understanding with Lionel Messi, with whom he has now formed one of the most fearsome duos in the world. The former Valencia man has proved to be ever so reliable at the back, and very threatening when left free on the left wing during attacks.
He has created 10 Big chances this season, not only for Lionel Messi but also the likes of Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele.
3.Denis Cheryshev
The Russian international had a phenomenal World Cup, both as an individual and for his country. He stacked up 4 goals in just 307 minutes for his country, and he has definitely not forgotten these magical boots of his back home in Russia.
The former Real Madrid player had been snapped up by Villareal for a reported fee of 7M, before being sent on loan to Valencia. He has been a great influence for the club, creating 10 big chances in just 13 league starts this season. Though he hasn't been very effective in the defensive aspect of the game, he has been a major source of creativity and technicality for the Los Che and has been a major route of initiating attacks for his club.
Cheryshev's loan contract with Valencia does have an option to buy, and he has definitely given the board an option to seriously consider.
2.Pablo Sarabia
Sevilla have performed exceptionally well this season and got off to a great start before slipping up slightly. Though the whole team has to be credited for this, one of the main pillars in the team has been Pablo Sarabia. Since his arrival at Sevilla in the summer of 2016, the Spanish midfielder has exponentially grown as a player and staked his claim as one of the first names on the team sheet. Having been assigned the task of being the Creator-in-chief for the Los Palanganas, he has certainly not disappointed.
He has continued his upward curve from last year and has become a leader for Sevilla. In addition to the whopping 8 goals he has scored this season, he has created 11 big chances for his team.
His great link-up plays with Andre Silva and Wissam Ben Yedder makes him part of one of Spain's most dangerous counter-attacking trios, alongside Wissam Ben Yedder and Andre Silva.
1.Lionel Messi
After being snubbed of a top 3 finish at the Ballon d'Or, and facing a rather shameful exit in the UCL at the hands of Roma, the little magician has most certainly upped his game. Messi has been uncatchable this season, already having scored 21 goals and an impressive 10 assists at LaLiga.
To add a feather to his cap, he is also very comfortably placed as the player who created the maximum number of big chances. His tally stands at 21 big chances, almost double of the second highest. He goes on day after day proving why he is the greatest footballer to ever set foot on the football field.
Alongside his comfortable and ever reliable partners in Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, he has been a terror to the opposing defenses. With a ridiculous scoring frequency of 81 minutes per goal, the manner in which this man continues to carry forward his club single-handedly can only be applauded.
