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There are prolific goalscorers galore in the Premier League, but it would be a crime to undervalue the contribution of playmakers. There are few things more satisfying than seeing the ball in the back of the net. A goal is a goal, no matter how they come.
While goalscoring remains the most important aspect of the beautiful game, creating a goal often goes uncredited. Finding the right pass with perfect precision is a talent that is not very abundant.
Providing assists requires technical ability, skill and vision of an elite level. Strikers feed off playmakers who can produce defence-splitting passes to puncture the opposition rearguard. That is true in all top leagues, especially the Premier League.
A team cannot progress without creating chances, so the assist providers are as important as the goalscorers. On that note, here's a look at the five players with the most Premier League assists in 2021.
#5 Michail Antonio - 9 assists
We start off things with West Ham United’s Michail Antonio. The Hammers have had an exceptional start to their Premier League campaign, but they have had a few disappointing results recently.
Nevertheless, Michail Antonio has been outstanding since the beginning of the season, winning the Premier League Player of the Month award in August 2021.
Antonio has nine assists in the Premier League in 2021. The Jamaican forward has scored six and assisted four goals this season.
With a knack for holding up play and protecting the ball, Antonio has created several scoring opportunities for the Hammers. The 31-year-old has been key for David Moyes' team, especially in the attacking third.
West Ham have continued their brilliant form since the end of last season. They are currently fifth in the Premier League, and are fighting for a Champions League spot.
#4 Mohamed Salah - 11 assists
Mohamed Salah currently seems unstoppable, and is on a tear in the Premier League. Contributing holistically by both scoring and assisting, Salah has been playing at an elite level this season.
The record-breaking Egyptian equalled Jamie Vardy’s record of scoring or assisting in 15 consecutive Premier League games.
Salah has 11 Premier League assists in 2021, including nine this season. He is at the top of this season's goal-scoring charts with 15 goals. The two-time Golden Boot winner looks set to add another one to his collection. Salah is also the Premier League leader in terms of assists.
The 29-year-old is also the highest-scoring African in Premier League history, going past erstwhile record-holder Didier Drogba last month. Few players across Europe can rival Salah’s goal involvements.
Liverpool are second in the Premier League this season, thanks largely to Salah’s blistering contributions in the attacking third. The Reds are just three points behind leaders Manchester City.
#3 Gabriel Jesus - 11 assists
Gabriel Jesus arrived in the Premier League in 2017. Often criticised for his inconsistency, Jesus largely played second fiddle to Sergio Aguero before the latter joined Barcelona this summer. Although Jesus is traditionally a striker, he has had to play on the wing occasionally.
The Brazilian has 11 assists in the Premier League in 2021, including seven this season. Jesus is part of a star-studded Manchester City lineup, so he has not always stood out with eye-popping numbers. However, he will look to improve on his goal involvements as City eye their fourth Premier League title in five years.
Several pundits have pondered and debated the lack of a world-class striker at Manchester City. Nevertheless, City continue to dominate the league. They are atop the Premier League table, three points ahead of Liverpool.
#2 Paul Pogba - 12 assists
Paul Pogba had an exceptional start to the Premier League this season, providing seven assists in his first four games, including one in his first. After a rough couple of seasons, fans were ecstatic to see the Frenchman back at his best. However, he couldn’t continue in this vein, and is currently out injured.
Pogba signed for Juventus in 2012 from Manchester United’s youth team. His exceptional talent helped him earn the Golden Boy award in 2013. The Frenchman made his United return in 2016 for a then record-breaking fee of nearly £90 million.
Pogba has 12 assists in the Premier League in 2021. He is one of the best technicians who can both create and score goals. His stint at United has largely been a mixed bag. However, there is no denying his talent, and on his day, Pogba is one of the best in his position.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold - 13 assists
At just 23, Trent Alexander-Arnold has already become one of the best right-backs in the game. An incredibly gifted defender, Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool’s senior squad after graduating from the Red’s youth academy.
The right-back plays with a burning passion for the club, and could be a candidate for the captain’s armband in the future.
The talented right-back was named the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season in Liverpool's triumphant 2019-20 campaign. Alexander-Arnold broke the record for most assists (13) in a single Premier League season that campaign. He had 12 in the previous season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has 13 Premier League assists this year. The Englishman has already won the Premier League and Champions League. Alexander-Arnold has been one reason why Liverpool have been so lethal in counter-attacks.
