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#3 Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan full-back Achraf Hakimi's searing runs down the flanks, culminating with pinpoint crosses, has become a feature of Inter Milan's play this season.
The Italian champions-elect are set to dethrone nine-time defending champions Juventus.
Hakimi has made 77 crosses and 113 long passes in Serie A this season, doing so with an accuracy of 67%. The Morocco international has a pass completion rate of over 81%, which has helped him notch up six assists, joint-third by an Inter Milan player.
At just 22, Hakimi has already represented the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund and has immense potential to scale further heights.
His impressive passing stats are accompanied by his decisiveness in front of goal - scoring six goals at a 21% shot conversion ratio. Out of 28 shots in the Serie A this season, Hakimi has had an impressive 43% of them on target.
#2 Angel Di Maria (PSG)
PSG winger Angel Di Maria has quietly made a huge impact for his team this season.
The Argentine's role in PSG's build-up play has been absolutely clutch. He has been involved in 17 goals from 33 appearances this season.
Di Maria is extremely gifted with the ball at his feet and has extreme precision in his crosses into the final third. The Argentine has averaged 7.2 crosses per 90 minutes this season, along with 3.4 long balls per 90.
Moreover, the former Champions League winner has an impressive 80% pass completion and an xA of 8.67. Di Maria has recorded 82 crosses and 12 completed crosses into the 18-yard box in the 2020-21 Ligue 1.
Di Maria is adept in finding his teammates in the final third; he has had 57 completed passes in the 18-yard box this season. If PSG are to win the Ligue 1 and Champions League this season, Di Maria could play a key role.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
When it comes to assists and passing - be it any type of passes - it is difficult to look beyond Kevin De Bruyne. After leaving Chelsea in 2014, the Belgian has been in inspired form for Manchester City.
De Bruyne has 140 crosses to his name in the Premier League this season, registering an impressive cross completion ratio of 26%. Moreover, the Belgian has recorded 61 accurate long balls, with 4.8 long balls played on average per 90.
Kevin De Bruyne has one of the highest xAs in world football - with almost 0.44 expected assists on average per match. The Belgian's inch-perfect crosses are evidence of his mastery with the ball at his feet. His 304 attempted crosses last season were the most in Premier League.
Very few in world football possess the technical ability and acumen of the 29-year old, who is widely regarded as the most complete midfielder in the game. The 'assist king' is the creative hub of Manchester City and could win a quadruple this season.
