10 Best Playmakers In World Football Right Now
Opening up the opposition defence is not always easy. It takes a special type of player to open up an opposition defence. It’s about more than just pace or dribbling abilities, it’s about having the intelligence to see the openings that others can’t and having the flawless passing technique to exploit the tiny gaps in the opposition’s defence.
For obvious reasons, we call these players the playmakers, and below you’ll find the 10 best playmakers in world football today.
Based on the performance over the last two seasons, here are the 10 best playmakers in world football right now.
10. Nabil Fekir
It came quite as a surprise when Fekir signed for Real Betis from Lyon, as there were interests from bigger clubs. But he’s been excellent value in La Liga every season since. He picked up more pre-assists than any other La Liga player in the 2021-22 season. Fekir has thrived at Real Betis with the team built around him.
9. Iker Munian
The Athletic star may play as a Wideman but has been the focal point of creativity in Marcelino’s 4-4-2. A throwback of a playmaker in many respects but one of the most potent in Europe this season. Apart from his playmaking skills, he is a great dribbler too and draws fouls for the team.
8. Bernardo Silva
From being close to leaving the club in 2021, Bernardo Silva went on to play a major role in Man City’s Premier League title triumph in 2021-22 season. His tireless work-rate, mesmeric dribbling skills and eye for a pass are a lethal combination for the Sky Blues. He along with Debruyne and Rodri, form one of the best midfield trios in the world.
7. Hakan Calhanoglu
Hakan Calhanoglu’s free-kick expertise has been known for a while now, but since his move to Italy in 2017, the Turkey international has converted that eye for goal into a love of perfect passing as well. He was Inter Milan’s best playmaker last season as they won the Coppa Italia and finished second in the league. He is, without a doubt, one of the best playmakers in world football right now.
6. Dmitri Payet
There were a couple of glorious years when Premier League audiences were treated to the majesty of Payet. He is still showing that magic in France. Payet has been phenomenal for Marseille for the past couple of seasons. He created 3.4 chances per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 last season, which was best in the league.
5. Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes’ infectious work ethic and win-at-all-costs attitude have galvanised the entire United team and the Portuguese’s stats from his debut year were also ridiculously good. However, his numbers took a nosedive in the league last season, but he surprisingly improved his output in the Champions League. Over the last two seasons, he is among the best playmakers in the world right now.
4. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Arguably the best right-back in the business, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed yet another stellar campaign. The English fullback not only knows how to thwart attackers but is a master creator himself, slitting defences open at will. His crosses and big chances creation are key to his game. He had second-most assists and created more chances than any other Premier League player last term.
3. Lionel Messi
Named as the best playmaker in the world by IFFHS in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019, Messi is probably the greatest ever to play this game. His first season with PSG wasn’t filled with goals but his playmaking abilities were on display. His short, strong legs allow him to excel in short bursts of acceleration while his quick feet enable him to retain control of the ball when dribbling at speed.
2. Thomas Muller
He might not be the most skilled player on this list; the best passer or the easiest on the eye, but a No.10s job is to help his team score goals, and nobody on the planet has done that better than Thomas Muller over the past 2 seasons. His movement, work rate, and unselfishness in front of goals are key to Bayern’s success.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne isn’t the best footballer in the world, but he’s arguably the most complete. Creative, powerful, skilful and dynamic, the Manchester City man can pass, shoot, dribble, tackle and cross – and all with either foot. Manchester City have been one of the best English teams over the past few seasons. Their brilliance is down to team-work. However, Kevin De Bruyne has stood out among all – Kevin de Bruyne.
Known for his immaculate technique, a wide range of passing skills, and ability to score spectacular long-range goals, De Bruyne has been key to City’s consistent performances in both the Premier League and Champions League. He was awarded the IFFHS’ best playmaker in the world award in 2020 and 2021.