Predictably Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi tops the assist providers in Europe so far this calendar year, but Queens Park Rangers’ recent goalscoring from has seen a surprise Hoops winger, Matt Phillips, rival the Argentine magician for the no.1 spot.
Chris Ramsey’s side, have, rather unbelievably, netted seven goals in their last two away fixtures – and Phillips sent up two of their three goals scored in the 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
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Take a look at the top nine player dominating the assist table in Europe in 2015…
9. Franco Vazquez – Palermo – 5
The goalscoring form of Paulo Dybala has taken much of the limelight away from his Palermo team-mates with the forward linked, by the Metro, to a summer switch to Arsenal – but much of the striker’s success is down to attacking midfielder Vazquez – whose vision and selfless play is making his life up top much easier.
8. Santi Cazorla – Arsenal – 5
Despite sitting alongside World Cup winner and £42.4m Gunners record signing Mesut Ozil, the Spaniard remains imperative to Arsenal’s attack – but Wenger would expect more than just three assists in the first-half of the season.
7. Marek Hamsik – Napoli – 5
The Slovakian has been linked with a big money move over the past few seasons with his impressive performances in Serie A not going unnoticed – and, according to the Daily Star, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are vying for the attacking midfielder’s signature.
6. Gonzalo Castro – Bayer Leverkusen – 5
The 27-year-old has been in excellent form this season, continuing to be one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable performers – even earning the praise of Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola this term – who could be prepared to table an offer for the Leverkusen legend, ESPN report.
5. Dimitri Payet – Marseille – 5
The 28-year-old has been in impressive form this term – registering 13 assists so far – with the forward the creative spark to the Marseille side.
4. Emil Hallfredsson – Verona – 5
A tough attacking midfielder, and one whose quality is often overlooked and underestimated by the Verona faithful. However, the 30-year-old has been described as the ‘perfect mix’ – offensively and defensively – in the Italian outfit’s midfield (via Mai Dire Calcio).
3. Matt Phillips – Queens Park Rangers – 7
Just one assist behind Barcelona magician Lionel Messi is an incredible feat for the former Blackpool man – but his impressive form could be too late to save the Hoops from relegation at the end of the season.
2. Kevin de Bruyne – Vfl Wolfsburg – 7
The former Chelsea forward has been in stunning form since leaving Stamford Bridge in January 2014, and it’s no wonder the Wolfsburg assist God is being linked to a host of European giants.
1. Lionel Messi – Barcelona – 8
The Argentine’s 20 goals and eight assists so far in 2015 have been imperative to Barca’s position at the top of La Liga – ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid – and the little magician isn’t expected to ease up any time soon.
