#2 Mesut Özil (Arsenal)
The elfin-like, dainty Özil continues to be a player that divides opinion among pundits but what no one can doubt is the genius of this wonderful German playmaker.
Blessed with the sort of vision that very few possess in world football, Özil has been sensational in the Premier League since he joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 for a then club record fee of £42m.
His 23 goals and 42 assists in 121 Premier League games tell the story of a creative genius who has the technique, skill and patience to unlock even the most stubborn of defences and finished the 2015-2016 season as the top assists maker (19).
Özil is a throwback to the old-school playmaker last seen in the 1990s and early 2000s; the number 10. Drifting through games in a lazy, languid style, creating something out of seemingly nothing and playing the game at his own pace and no one else’s.
His technique, offensive abilities and creative instincts have marked him out as a player to watch for a long time and like the other players on the list.
He averages 63.82% passing accuracy per match and is capable of playing in a multiplicity of attacking roles where his defensive contribution will be expected to be minimal and his forward-thinking abilities given full expression.
Yet to get off the mark this season in terms of assists and goals, this state of affairs should not be expected to continue for long given the undeniable talent possessed by the German.
