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The UEFA Champions League has seen some of the most creative players perform at the very top level since the competition's inception. Scoring goals remains the most pivotal task in the game, but playmakers are just as important in the game.
The Champions League has had some incredible playmakers
However, bagging assists or creating chances against lesser teams is not as challenging as creating against the best. So while several players do produce multiple chances in group stage games, the knockout platform is where it really matters.
As they say, "the tough get going when the going gets tough." Some players have tapped their creative genius more than others in the Champions League over the years.
On that note, let’s take a look at the Top 10 players with the most assists in the Champions League knockout stages.
#6 Robert Lewandowski & Angel Di Maria
Robert Lewandowski has been one of the best players in European football over the last half a decade. His slick movement, quick interplay and efficient finishing abilities have turned him into a real handful for defenders.
However, his creative talents are underrated as he does have an eye for an assist too. So far, the Polish international has managed 12 assists in the knockout stages of the Champions League. That tally could increase this season if he helps Bayern Munich bulldoze past Red Bull Salzburg in the Round of 16.
Angel di Maria is one of the most talented playmakers of his generation and was an innate chance creator during his Real Madrid days. His time at Manchester United was short-lived but became effective soon after joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2015.
The Argentinian has played with some of the best at the French club but has arguably been the most effective when it has really mattered. The Ligue 1 giants have always had incredible goal-scorers but Di Maria has been a creative influx in the side. The South American ace has 12 assists in the knockout stages. He could get higher up on the list if he continues to be effective in the big games.
For starters, he could help PSG edge past his former club, Real Madrid, in the Round of 16 of this year's competition.
#5 Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane was one of a kind and one of the most gifted players of all time. The playmaker was able to single-handedly turn the tide of the game and often came through for his side.
A generational talent, the Frenchman was sensational at Juventus and was equally mesmerizing for Real Madrid. His volley in Madrid's 2002 Champions League final triumph remains a memory in the minds of most fans, thereby depicting his innate abilities.
However, what few remember is his ingenious ability to create chances from deep or in tight spaces. He would come alive in the knockout stages of the UCL and it is no wonder he has 13 assists to his name.
The 1998 World Cup winner is certainly a big-game player and as we all know now, a top manager too.
#4 Lionel Messi, Xavi & Dani Alves
Lionel Messi is certainly part of the creme de la creme of football. It is all thanks to his iconic performances in the biggest games over the last 15 years. The Argentinian's natural talent, coupled with immense hard work has made him one of the greatest players of all time.
He has won four Champions League trophies so far and is a massive knockout stage player. However, he has failed to replicate the same in recent years. Regardless, his goal-scoring prowess has slightly overshadowed his knack for creating goals.
Messi has 14 assists in the Champions League knockout games. He could increase this tally if he helps PSG progress past the Round of 16 stage this term.
Xavi Hernandez, the current Barcelona manager and a former teammate of Messi, is arguably the greatest midfielder in La Liga history. The Spaniard always had the ability to create chances but he would often step up in big games for the Blaugrana side.
He could control the tempo of the game and slip in passes or hit incredible long-range passes effortlessly. In doing so, he managed 14 assists in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Dani Alves, a former teammate of the aforementioned duo, re-signed for Barcelona last summer and is currently playing under Xavi. He is arguably the most decorated defender of all time, thanks to his first stint at Barcelona and a couple of seasons with Juventus and PSG.
One of the best right-backs of all time, the Brazilian was an exceptional defender and was equally good going forward. He could provide pinpoint crosses and even attempt unbelievable through balls to his teammates. All of that led to the full-back garnering 14 assists in the Champions League knockout stages.
He could increase this number by ensuring UCL qualification for the Nou Camp outfit next season.
#3 Andres Iniesta & Ryan Giggs
Andres Iniesta, like some of his former teammates on the list, is one of the best in the business. The midfielder moves past players like a gazelle and has the vision of finding a needle in a haystack. While some might argue that he was good because of the players alongside him, few would debate his brilliance in the games where it really mattered.
The former Spanish international used his guile more than others. This is also one of the main reasons behind his 15 assists in the UCL knockout stages. Iniesta will forever be remembered as one of the greatest big-game players.
The first Premier League player on the list, Ryan Giggs was a phenomenal chance creator in his prime. The Welshman was a road-runner and could dribble past players with relative ease. Moreover, he could always find his teammates in the box and the weight on his assists did more than half the job for the goal-scorer.
The Premier League's highest assist giver managed 15 assists in the UCL knockout stages during his glorious career.
#2 Franck Ribery
Franck Ribery has epitomized the left-winger's role better than most in modern football, especially during his time at Bayern Munich. The France international has a unique set of skills and incredibly quick feet on the ball.
While he played in some of the best starting XI's in German football, he was one of the main players at the Bundesliga club. His two-footed nature, coupled with excellent decision-making skills in the final third, make him a real threat to opponents.
Although he could only manage to win one Champions League title, he was consistent in the big games. This is evident by his 16 assists in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Ribery is currently playing for Serie A side Salernitana but has left quite a legacy behind for Bayern Munich fans to cherish.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has been "Mr. Champions League" for quite a while now. The Portuguese legend is arguably the most clutch player the game has ever witnessed.
His record in the Champions League is exemplary, as evidenced by him being the highest goal-scorer and assist-giver in the competition. Even at 37, the centre-forward is aging like a fine wine and does not look like he is stopping anytime soon.
While he has a flair for scoring goals, he is pretty selfless too when it comes to the big moments. So far, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has 17 assists in the Champions League knockout stages.
The five-time UCL winner will look to add more to his tally when Manchester United face Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 tie this season.
