When evaluating playmakers in football (soccer), two key metrics that often determine their effectiveness are key passes (passes leading to a shot) and assists (passes leading directly to a goal). Here are some of the top-rated playmakers from recent seasons, based on these metrics.

1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

• Key Passes: De Bruyne is consistently one of the best in terms of key passes. His vision, creativity, and ability to deliver the perfect ball make him a top playmaker.
• Assists: De Bruyne has regularly finished as one of the top assist leaders in the Premier League. His pinpoint crosses and intricate passing often result in goals for his teammates.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 season, De Bruyne recorded 16 assists in the Premier League and an impressive 3.2 key passes per game.
• Playing Style: Known for his excellent range of passing, both short and long, and his ability to pick out runners in attacking positions.

2. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain / Inter Miami)

• Key Passes: Even later in his career, Messi remains one of the most creative playmakers in the world. His ability to dribble and create opportunities is second to none.
• Assists: Messi has been one of the top assist providers in every league he’s played in, including his time at Barcelona, PSG, and now at Inter Miami.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 season at PSG, Messi registered 16 assists in Ligue 1, with 2.9 key passes per game.
• Playing Style: Known for his dribbling, close control, and visionary passing, Messi is capable of threading passes through tight defenses and creating space out of nowhere.

3. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

• Key Passes: Fernandes is a consistent presence when it comes to creating chances and has one of the highest key passes per game averages in the Premier League.
• Assists: He has been a prolific assist provider since joining Manchester United, particularly known for his crossing and linking play in attacking areas.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 season, Bruno provided 6 assists in the Premier League with an average of 2.5 key passes per game.
• Playing Style: A creative attacking midfielder with an eye for dangerous passes, Fernandes is excellent at delivering through balls and setting up teammates in goal-scoring positions.

4. Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich)

• Key Passes: Müller may not have the flashiest statistics, but his ability to make key passes and create space is exceptional. His link-up play with attackers is central to Bayern Munich’s success.
• Assists: He has regularly been among the top assist providers in both the Bundesliga and internationally.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 Bundesliga season, Müller had 7 assists and averaged 2.3 key passes per game.
• Playing Style: Known for his “Raumdeuter” style (space interpreter), Müller’s movement and understanding of where to be and when to pass make him a top playmaker.

5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

• Key Passes: While Salah is often recognized for his goalscoring, his ability to create chances for teammates is equally valuable. He frequently provides key passes in high-pressure situations.
• Assists: Salah consistently ranks among the top assist providers in the Premier League, using his dribbling and vision to set up goals.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 season, Salah had 8 assists and averaged 2.2 key passes per game in the Premier League.
• Playing Style: Known for his pace, dribbling, and intelligence, Salah’s ability to both score and assist in crucial moments is key to Liverpool’s attacking play.

6. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

• Key Passes: Alexander-Arnold is one of the most prolific creators from the full-back position. His crossing ability and long passes into the final third are unmatched.
• Assists: Over the years, Trent has become one of the best assist providers in Europe, particularly known for his exceptional deliveries from wide areas.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 Premier League season, he provided 12 assists, and averaged 2.9 key passes per game.
• Playing Style: A hybrid full-back who operates almost like a midfielder, his crossing and playmaking from deep positions make him an elite creator.

7. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

• Key Passes: Silva is highly regarded for his dribbling, technical skill, and ability to pick out key passes in tight situations. His ability to link play between midfield and attack is vital for Manchester City.
• Assists: Silva has been consistent in contributing assists, though his creativity often goes beyond just numbers, as he plays a key role in City’s fluid style of play.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 season, Bernardo had 7 assists in the Premier League with an average of 2.4 key passes per game.
• Playing Style: Silva’s vision, close control, and dribbling make him one of the most gifted playmakers in the world, often finding space in crowded areas and creating chances with ease.

8. Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

• Key Passes: Grealish is known for his dribbling and ability to create chances in wide positions. His crossing and final pass are key components of his playmaking.
• Assists: Grealish has become an important provider for Manchester City, assisting goals regularly, especially in their attacking transitions.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 season, Grealish provided 7 assists in the Premier League and averaged 2.0 key passes per game.
• Playing Style: With excellent dribbling and creativity, Grealish often draws defenders to create space for others or provide a final pass.

9. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

• Key Passes: Bellingham’s creativity and passing range, combined with his energy in midfield, make him a key playmaker for Real Madrid.
• Assists: While primarily known for his all-around game, Bellingham has been contributing more in terms of assists as well, adding to his reputation as a complete midfielder.
• Stats: In the 2023/2024 season (up to March), Bellingham already has 5 assists and is averaging 2.3 key passes per game in La Liga.
• Playing Style: A dynamic box-to-box midfielder with an excellent eye for key passes, Bellingham often breaks forward and finds teammates in scoring positions.

10. Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)

• Key Passes: Pulisic has become an important creative outlet for Chelsea, using his dribbling skills to create chances from wide positions.
• Assists: Pulisic’s ability to deliver key passes and contribute assists has been one of his strengths, although his assist numbers fluctuate based on the team’s overall form.
• Stats: In the 2022/2023 season, Pulisic had 5 assists and 1.9 key passes per game in the Premier League.
• Playing Style: His speed and dribbling help him break down defenses and make decisive passes to attackers.