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The Bundesliga has been a haven for some of the most talented players in the world, even if they do tend to eventually move on to far richer leagues.
The likes of Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz, and Jadon Sancho got their big breaks in the Bundesliga before moving on for hefty fees in recent seasons.
It wasn’t always like that, though. The late ‘90s and the early 21st century saw some of the best players plying their trade in the German top-flight at the peak of their powers.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best assist-providers in the Bundesliga.
#5 Mehmet Scholl – 91 assists
Mehmet Scholl played 392 games in the Bundesliga for Karlsruher SC and FC Bayern Munich, and provided 91 assists during his stint at both clubs.
Scholl had a hugely impressive spell at Bayern Munich and played a key role for the Bavarians, helping them to eight German top-flight titles.
The attacking midfielder was known for his creativity and pin-point passing in the late ‘90s century, and the early noughties, and is perhaps not spoken of highly enough by the more younger fans.
Scholl’s impact on the international stage perhaps wasn’t all that noticeable, but he nevertheless helped Germany to the European championship in 1996.
#4 Ze Roberto – 97 assists
We have seen some of the best Brazilian attackers ply their trade in the Bundesliga, and Ze Roberto is certainly a player who ranks high on that list.
The Brazilian played for Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich as well as Hamburg in the Bundesliga, and was one of the most skilful left wingers during his heydays.
Ze Roberto scored some iconic goals in the Bundesliga; from stunning free-kicks to back-heel strikes, but was an even bigger threat with his passes from the left flank.
The Brazilian managed 97 assists in total for Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Hamburg. His best spell perhaps came at Allianz Arena, where he won four Bundesliga titles and four DFB Pokal trophies.
The midfielder also had a long career with the Brazilian national team and made 83 appearances for Selecao, scoring six times in the process.
#3 Andreas Moller – 108 assists
Andreas Moller was one of the most talented all-rounded midfielders of his generation, and won several trophies during his stints at Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Schalke.
The German is known for his spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he won the Bundesliga and the Champions League. At his peak, he was one of the most complete attacking midfielders of his generation.
Moller had plenty of success in Germany, even though his relationship with the Borussia Dortmund fans soured when he made the switch to Schalke in 2000.
The midfielder had plenty of success on the international stage as well, and won the World Cup in 1990, as well as the European Championship in 1996.
In total, Moller had 108 assists in the Bundesliga, and the creative midfielder is third on our list.
#2 Franck Ribery – 120 assists
After bursting onto the scene as a diminutive winger in France, Franck Ribery rose to prominence after making the 2006 World Cup squad.
A move to Bayern Munich a year later followed, and Ribery enjoyed the most successful spell of his career with the Bavarians.
Together with Arjen Robben, Ribery formed an attack that had pace, guile, and goal-scoring ability that helped Bayern Munich to their fifth Champions League title in 2013.
The Frenchman was perhaps a bit unlucky not to win the Ballon d’Or in 2013 after winning the UEFA Best Player in Europe award.
Ribery scored 86 goals and managed 120 assists during his spell in the Bundesliga and is second on our list.
#1 Thomas Muller – 167 assists
Thomas Muller, the only player who is still playing in the Bundesliga from this list, has adapted his game from being a goal poacher to a playmaker in recent seasons.
The German has scored 129 goals and provided 167 assists in the Bundesliga and those are perhaps numbers no one will get close to in the coming years.
A couple of seasons ago, many doubted what role Muller would play under then manager Hansi Flick. But to his credit, he shed the “Raumdeuter” tag and managed to make the attack even stringer with his link-up play.
Muller’s game isn’t about pace, so he could play several more years and who knows, perhaps even breach the 200 assists mark!
