The Premier League has been blessed with some exceptional midfield talent in recent years, and since the 2011/12 season there have been a handful who have excelled themselves in both goals and assists for their teammates.
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The five names listed below are all world class, and are currently housed in the league’s biggest clubs, though the order in which they appear may cause some surprise.
5. Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Goals: 33
Assists: 25
Total: 58
Ah, Gerrard, otherwise known as old reliable. Like a slowly declining muscle car that resides mostly in the garage but can still be counted on to impress. He’s seen a sharp decline in his fortunes this season, but will still go down as one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen.
4. Eden Hazard – Chelsea
Goals: 34
Assists: 24
Total: 58
Still embarking on a fledgling career in the UK, Belgian whizz Hazard has come into his own this term as the sole responsibility of doing well…everything at Stamford Bridge has been lifted by the arrivals of Willian, Juan Cuadrado and Oscar. He could be the difference in the title race this year.
3. Yaya Toure – Manchester City
Goals: 40
Assists: 20
Total: 60
Toure’s form over recent years has often had people wondering how or why Barcelona agreed to let him go in the first place. But their loss has been City’s gain as he has played an integral role in the club’s two Premier League title victories. However, like Gerrard, his powers are on the wane now, and his input could diminish dramatically.
2. David Silva – Manchester City
Goals: 26
Assists: 35
Total: 61
Silva’s assisting abilities have been on fire ever since he arrived from Valencia and he can always be counted on to chip in with a few crucial goals, too. Unlike Toure, Silva is just coming into his prime and will be expected to provide firepower on both fronts as the club look to successfully defend their title.
1. Juan Mata – Manchester United (& Chelsea)
Goals: 31
Assists: 34
Total: 65
The diminutive Spaniard began his Premier League career with Chelsea, where he established himself as a potent force in front of goal as well as a provider for others. He made the move to United last season after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge, but when he has got on the field he has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise stuttering campaign to get back to former glories.