Step aside, attacking midfielders and flying wingers, and make room for the defenders who can’t help but set up goals.
With the way modern full-backs operate, there’s no surprise that there are several defenders across Europe’s top five leagues edging towards double figures for assists in their domestic campaigns this season.
What will come as a surprise though are a couple of the names included in this top five list for defenders with the most league assists in the 2017/18 campaign.
JOSHUA KIMMICH | BAYERN MUNICH
Assists: 9
Minutes Played: 1883
Most Assisted: Robert Lewandowski (5)
Filling the boots of the legendary Philipp Lahm was always going to be a gargantuan task but Joshua Kimmich has gone about attempting to do so with aplomb.
Along with continuity in that right-back role, he’s also brought loads of assists, leading the way among defenders in Europe with nine in the league this season – five of which set up Robert Lewandowski.
Meeting expectations: Joshua Kimmich
JORDI ALBA | BARCELONA
Assists: 8
Minutes Played: 2189
Most Assisted: Lionel Messi (5)
The pacey Spanish full-back has a reputation for being more of an auxiliary winger than a defender.
Never resisting the opportunity to venture forward, Alba has done so even more often this season with players like Andres Iniesta and Philippe Coutinho occupying the left flank and drifting inside, allowing him to bomb down the outside and pick out forwards – usually Lionel Messi – with his cut-backs.
Thanks again: Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba celebrate
ALEKSANDAR KOLAROV | ROMA
Assists: 7
Minutes Played: 2399
Most Assisted: Eden Dzeko (3)
The former Manchester City player’s hammer of a left foot has held him in good stead during his spell at Roma.
Apart from powering in efforts from range, he’s also capable of picking out a team-mate and that has only added to his repertoire despite the fact that he isn’t as quick any more at the age of 32.
Heads up, Eden: Aleksandar Kolarov
CHRIS BRUNT | WEST BROM
Assists: 6
Minutes Played: 1293
Most Assisted: Ahmed Hegazy, Craig Dawson, Salomon Rondon (2 each)
Definitely the shock inclusion on this list. Why? Well, he’s hardly first choice – for a team doomed for relegation at that – and all but one of his assists have come in defeats.
A portion of his assists have come when he’s played in midfield, but considering he usually provides from set-pieces, that doesn’t really make a difference.
Pinpoint precision: Chris Brunt
AARON CRESSWELL | WEST HAM
Assists: 6
Minutes Played: 1293
Most Assisted: N/A (six separate scorers)
The Englishman’s crossing is among the best in the Premier League and when the Hammers signed him in 2014, many expected him to strike up a partnership with chief aerial threat Andy Carroll.
Despite, the striker failing to enjoy any sort of fitness or consistency, Cresswell has kept whipping in delicious crosses, served up for any takers waiting inside the box.
Who fancies a header? Aaron Cresswell