Mercurial Marseilles midfielder tops key passer table…
fanatix runs down the top ten player in European football so far this season who have played more accurate key passes than any other…
Stats courtesy of Squawka.
10) Xavi – Barcelona – 8 key passes
After just two games, predictably, the legendary Spanish midfielder maestro makes this list, as he does every year. Xavi has also completed more passes than other player in La Liga, helping Barcelona to two wins from two.
9) Leighton Baines – Everton – 8 key passes
It says a lot about how much Everton rely on Baines that he is consistently their most creative player from the left-back position. The Toffees will do well to keep hold of him.
8) Yoann Gourcuff – Lyon – 9 key passes
The potential Arsenal target has made nine key passes already in Ligue 1 this term, and is Lyon’s most creative midfielder.
7) Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund – 9 key passes
After Mario Gotze left, Reus is Dortmund’s main creative influence, and he’s started the season well, playing nine key passes already.
6) Marvin Martin – Lille – 9 key passes
Interestingly, the 25-year-old 15 cap international is the second of four Frenchman on the list!
5) Nacer Chadli – Tottenham – 9 key passes
Spurs new Belgian signing has started life at White Harte Lane well – helping Spurs to two consecutive wins, playing nine key passes in the process.
4) Eden Hazard – Chelsea – 10 key passes
No other player in the Premier League has played more key passes so far this season than Hazard, who will crucial to Jose Mourinho’s pursuit of the title – and will likely form an attacking partnership with new signing Willian – with Juan Mata potentially leaving the club.
3) Mesut Ozil – Real Madrid – 10 key passes
Despite being substituted on the hour mark in Real Mdrid’s opening victories, Ozil has played more key passes than anyone in La Liga, and would be a brilliant signing for any Premier League side, with Manchester United potentially interested.
2) Franck Ribery – Bayern Munich – 11 key passes
The Frenchman has adapted quickly into new boss Pep Guardiola’s tika-take style, and has been a wonderful creative influence already for last season’s treble winners.
1) Mathieu Valbuena – Marseille – 14 key passes
European clubs here should take note: The diminutive French playmaker has already made 14 key passes this season! Very impressive statistics from the international midfielder.
COMMENTS