20 Players That Have Created Most Big Chances in the Premier League Since Records Began
As the modern game of football has evolved, more and more managers are turning to statistical data to enhance their knowledge and adjust their tactics to improve their chances of success. Metrics like xG, xG against, and progressive passes have become increasingly common in a football lover’s vocabulary as managers like Pep Guardiola and Xabi Alonso continue to transform the beautiful game with their unique methods.
One such statistic that has risen in prominence alongside the likes of xG is chance creation. While goals and assists have always been measured, the amount of big chances a player or team creates has only recently become as valuable to the viewing public, as it provides insight into the quality of their side’s efforts on goal.
As for those who have been the inspiration behind these high-quality chances, we have the answers as GIVEMESPORT brings you the 20 players with the highest number of big chances created in Premier League history.
20-16
Kieran Trippier, James Ward-Prowse, Dwight McNeil, Eden Hazard, Willian
Unsurprisingly, there are an abundance of set-piece specialists that make it onto the list, and we start with two in the form of Kieran Trippier and James Ward-Prowse. Both Englishmen are renowned for their ability over a dead ball, whether it is going for goal themselves or trying to find a teammate. Ward-Prowse’s addition is particularly impressive considering that the majority of his Premier League career has come at Southampton, who have often been battling towards the bottom of the table.
The midfielder is level on big chances with Everton’s Dwight McNeil and Stamford Bridge icon Eden Hazard. McNeil was the primary creative outlet at Burnley and has recently taken on that mantle at Everton too. Meanwhile, Hazard is one of Chelsea’s greatest-ever players, almost single-handedly leading them to two league titles during his time at the club.
While the Belgian may be more fondly remembered in West London, it is actually a former teammate who is directly above him in Willian. The Brazilian has spent longer in English football, having also played for Arsenal and Fulham. As a result, he walks away with just one more big chance created than his fellow Chelsea alumnus.
15-11
Juan Mata, Marc Alrbrighton, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Pascal Gross, Harry Kane
Another tie in 14th sees Juan Mata and Marc Albrighton level with 70 big chances created. The diminutive Spaniard was a technical wizard who made up for his lack of physical attributes by being one of the most skillful and creative players of his generation. Meanwhile, Albrighton was an incredibly underrated talent who had his moment in the sun as part of the biggest upset in football history – Leicester City’s ascension to Premier League champions.
Gylfi Sigurdsson found success at Swansea and Everton after a tough start to life in English football at Tottenham. Pascal Gross, on the other hand, flourished at Brighton and was one of their most important players from the moment the Seagulls arrived in the top flight back in 2017 up until he left for Borussia Dortmund seven years later.
Just missing out on a place in the top ten is Harry Kane. Although the England captain is one of the greatest goalscorers in the Premier League record books, he has morphed into a more complete forward, and towards the end of his time in North London, he would frequently drop deep to get on the ball and create opportunities for some of his other teammates.
10-6
Andy Robertson, Raheem Sterling, Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-min, Bruno Fernandes
The top ten begins with one of the greatest left-backs in Premier League history as Andy Robertson sits above Kane on 84 chances created. The Scot has been one half of one of the best full-back pairings in English football, but sits a little behind his partner in crime. Raheem Sterling follows, largely thanks to incredibly productive years at the Etihad.
Christian Eriksen has most recently played for the likes of Brentford and Manchester United, but it was at White Hart Lane where the Dane made his biggest mark and created the vast majority of his big chances. Former teammate Son Heung-Min is just ahead of him, with both men having played second fiddle to Kane during their time in North London, with their main job being to create chances for the goal machine.
Missing out on the top five is Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. While the Portuguese is often a source of criticism due to his perceived attitude, the fact that he arrived in English football 10 years after these records started to be collected and still makes it this high despite being part of one of the worst United teams in history is a testament to the playmaker’s true ability.
5-1
Riyad Mahrez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, David Silva, Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne
Riyad Mahrez was a superstar at Leicester City and, after a period of transition, became indispensable to Pep Guardiola’s dominant Manchester City team. Quite frankly, the Citizens have struggled to replace his quality and creativity since the Algerian made the move to Saudi Arabia. Trent Alexander-Arnold finishes in fourth with 116 big chances created. The revolutionary right-back may not have long to build on this number after reportedly informing Liverpool of his desire to join Real Madrid.
David Silva takes a podium place. Like Mata, Silva used his intelligence and innate ability to overcome his physical shortcomings and is one of the most technically gifted players that English football has ever seen. He is beaten to second by one chance by Mohamed Salah, though the Egyptian’s tally of 119 is quite a way off the top spot.
In first by a considerable margin is Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City legend has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Premier League players of all time, and his vision is second to none. He is closing in on 200 big chances created, as he currently finds himself on 191 at the time of writing.
All statistics courtesy of the Premier League – accurate as of 29/12/2024
