The 10 most creative players in the Premier League since the start of 2011/12 season

5. Gareth Bale: 159

The Welsh flier caught the eye with his stunning individual goals last season but his ascent to one of the world’s greatest players was peppered with criticism that he was too selfish and did not create enough for his less-gifted Tottenham teammates.

Bale’s inclusion on this list would suggest Spurs’ lack of a top centre-forward was more to blame for his lack of assists, however.