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There is something about an immaculate through-ball which any goal cannot match. When players invent passing lanes out of nowhere, it is something to behold.
Fortunately for us, there are quite a few passing masters at display in European football. These magicians control the game, and in the blink of an eye, open up the opposition. It's almost as if they were a predator, lulling its prey with some sedating movement before springing into action with that killer pass.
The goalscorers take much of the acclaim, and rightly so, but these players deserve credit as well. On that note, here are the most creative players in Europe.
Note: The order is on the basis of total key passes completed by players with over 10 appearances. The statistics are updated as of 3 December.
#10 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Hazard enjoyed a sensational start to the season, and though his form has petered down of late, he still is one of the most creative players in Europe. The Belgian has completed 36 key passes to go along with his 7 goals and 5 assists in the league.
He has been instrumental to Chelsea's attack this season, and Maurizio Sarri has said that Hazard's performance could reach another level this season. Hazard is often seen as more of a playmaker than most wingers out there, and it is not without reason.
Take a look at this blinder of a pass by him against Iceland recently.
#9 Willian (Chelsea)
Hazard's teammate Willian makes the list as well, which may come as somewhat of a surprise. The Brazilian has not been a guaranteed starter this season, and Pedro has in better form in the right winger role, but Willian has impressed in the creativity department.
He has made 39 key passes this season, though his return of 2 goals and 2 assists doesn't suggest it. When he is on the pitch, he takes most of the set pieces, which has increased the number of chances he has created.
#8 Miralem Pjanic (Juventus)
The silky Bosnian makes the list, with a key passes tally of 37. He plays a deeper role on the pitch compared to many players on this list but still manages to impact the game in a creative sense.
His position means that he cannot match the return of goals and assists of others, but he is still an integral part of Massimiliano Allegri's side. Pjanic is also adept from set pieces, and he takes them for Juve both from scoring and assisting positions.
#7 Rodrigo de Paul (Udinese)
De Paul came to the fore last season with Udinese, and he has continued his form this campaign as well. The 24-year old winger has made 39 key passes this season, to go along with 6 goals and 3 assists.
The Argentine has been one of the few bright sparks in a dour campaign for Udinese, as they are hovering dangerously close to relegation. De Paul has contributed to 75% of his side's league goals, so a lot rests on his young shoulders as the Serie A season progresses.
#6 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
Messi carries a huge portion of the creative burden for Barcelona, and his 39 key passes despite a recent injury is a testament to that. The Argentine has scored 9 goals in the league, but his 7 assists have been just as valuable.
Ernesto Valverde's conservative approach at Barcelona has allowed Messi a free role, and he often drops deep to instigate play. The Catalans currently top the LaLiga in a close race, and Messi's contribution of 16 goals to that is a huge one.
#5 Alejandro Gomez (Atalanta)
Gomez is one of those classy players who has been the main man at a mid-table club consistently. The Argentine has made 40 key passes thus far this season, scoring four goals and setting up a further two.
He has reached double figures in assists in each of the past two seasons, and he also scored 16 goals in a spectacular 2016/17 campaign. Emulating that campaign will be a tough task, but Gomez's creativity is still a bright spark in the Atalanta side.
#4 Suso (AC Milan)
Suso has enjoyed a fine season in Milan, as his 4 goals and 8 assists have helped his side to 4th place in the league. No one has more assists than him in Europe's top five leagues, and only three have more than his 41 key passes.
Often deployed on the right wing, the Spaniard drifts inward to conjure up chances for his teammates. He has so often been the attacking catalyst for Gennaro Gattuso's side as they hope to bring back the glory days to AC Milan.
#3 Naim Sliti (Dijon)
Perhaps the most unknown player on this list, Sliti has emerged as a creative midfielder at Dijon. In his second full season at the club, he has been the creative spark in the side, despite their poor league position.
Embroiled in the relegation battle, Sliti has made 42 key passes this season, which have amounted to just 3 goals. This speaks about the poor conversion rate of his fellow attackers, and one of the reasons why Dijon sit in 18th place. If they fail to stay in the Ligue 1, then the Tunisian playmaker may well be off to a different club.
#2 Memphis Depay (Lyon)
Depay has been in sensational form since he made the move back to France, and Lyon have been huge beneficiaries. The Dutchman has made 49 key passes in total, which includes his 7 assists this season.
He has also scored 5 goals as his side sits fourth in the table, just two points behind the second place. Depay plays a crucial role in this team, and he floats in central positions which enables him to impact the game the most. If he continues this form, he seems primed for a move to a bigger club.
#1 Dimitri Payet (Marseille)
Payet has always been at the top of this statistic, and he continues to excel in it this season as well. No player has managed more than his 56 key passes. Surprisingly though, he has just 5 assists, which perhaps speaks more about his teammates than himself.
The Frenchman has hit double figures for assists in each of the past three seasons, and he seems primed to breach that threshold this time as well. Marseille are currently fifth in the league, and Payet's goals and assists will be vital in their quest for the Champions League places.
