For most strikers and center-forwards, goals and assists almost tell the whole story. The higher the numbers, the bigger their impact. However, for wingers, attacking midfielders, and flying fullbacks, goals and assists alone are insufficient. To provide a more comprehensive view, another statistic called “chances created” is necessary.
The chances created metric is the sum of total key passes, which are passes that directly lead to a shot, and assists. By highlighting the chances created, we can assess how consistently a player has opened up the defense, enabling their teammates to take shots.
Today, we will examine the Premier League’s most reliable creators this season. According to FotMob’s statistics, here are the top five players with the highest number of chances created in the 2023-24 season:
Arsenal’s standout player Bukayo Saka has been in exceptional form in the Premier League this season, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 24 appearances thus far. He also ranks fifth in the league in terms of chances created, having created 61 opportunities so far.
Saka, aged 22, has impressed spectators with his ability to link up play, take on defenders, and make sharp movements. He has completed 782 passes with an 83% accuracy rate, delivered 34 precise crosses, executed 34 dribbles, and drawn 48 fouls. Currently, he is on a fantastic run for the Gunners, having scored six goals in his last four games.
The only fullback who made it into the list is Newcastle United’s star player Kieran Trippier, who has created 63 chances in the 2023-24 Premier League season. The Englishman has also contributed 10 assists in 23 matches, making him the joint-leading provider of assists in the league alongside Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The 33-year-old has also scored one goal.
Trippier has successfully completed 1274 passes with an accuracy rate of 80.4%. Additionally, he has delivered 64 accurate crosses and completed 16 dribbles.
Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard is the third player on the list, having created 64 chances in 22 matches this season. Odegaard, who joined the club from Real Madrid (initially on loan) in August 2020, has scored five goals and provided six assists in the 2023-24 league campaign.
Odegaard has caught everyone’s attention with his precise passes and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas. According to FotMob, he has completed 1088 passes with an accuracy rate of 87.2% and executed 20 dribbles.
Pascal Gross has been instrumental in Brighton & Hove Albion’s positive performances this season. The adventurous defensive midfielder, who is also comfortable playing further up the pitch, has created an impressive 67 chances in 23 appearances. Gross has also contributed nine assists in the league so far, making him the joint-third leading provider of assists in the division. Additionally, the 32-year-old has scored four goals, establishing himself as the most prolific defensive midfielder in the league.
Gross has completed 1653 passes with an accuracy rate of 89.4%, delivered 66 accurate long balls, and executed 14 dribbles.
At the top of the list is Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes, who has created a remarkable 72 chances in 24 Premier League matches. The Portuguese ace has only provided five assists in the English top flight so far, highlighting United’s wastefulness in the final third this season.
Fernandes, primarily an attacking midfielder, has scored three league goals as of February 20. He has also completed 1016 passes with an accuracy rate of 78.8%.
According to the Source sportslens.com