7= Alessio Cerci – 11 assists
The Torino striker has been in sparkling form this season, bagging nine goals and seven assists so far to boost his 2013 figures. The 26-year-old failed to make the grade at Roma as a youngster but if he makes an impression for Italy at next summer’s World Cup, Cerci’s great form could see him snapped up by one of the Serie A’s title challengers.
7= Carlos Vela – 11
Were Arsenal wrong to allow the Mexican to leave? Vela has scored 34 goals since leaving the Gunners for Real Sociedad (initially on loan) but his assist tally proves he is more than just a goal-scorer. With Arsenal in desperate need of a world-class centre forward to boost their title challenge and a buy-back option reportedly available on Vela, a return to North London for the Mexico international could be on the cards.
7= Karim Benzema -11
With Gonzalo Higuain gone, the Frenchman is the only senior central striker at Real Madrid. But with goal-machines Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo on the wings, Benzema has also chipped in with a number of assists for Los Blancos.
7= Lionel Messi – 11
The Argentine has had an average 2013 by his extraordinary standards but has still chipped in with 11 assists for Barcelona. Messi will look to overcome his latest injury setback and reaffirm his status as the jewel in the Catalans’ crown, after being overshadowed by summer signing Neymar at times this season.
7= Cesc Fabregas – 11
The former Arsenal man was the king of the assist during his eight seasons in the Premier League and it is sign of how far he has progressed in 2013 that Cesc recorded more assists than Barcelona teammates Xavi and Andres Iniesta last year. The playmaker has taken a central role under new boss Tata Martino at the Nou Camp and will also look to be the leading man for Spain at next summer’s World Cup.
7= Cristiano Ronaldo – 11
The favourite for this year’s Ballon d’Or scored more goals that anyone in 2013 but Ronaldo also provided 11 assists for his Real Madrid teammates. Only four of those have come this term but the Portuguese has scored 27 goals in 21 appearances, so we really shouldn’t criticise…
5= Wayne Rooney – 12
The England forward is best known for his goals but Rooney’s contribution to the team has been immense recently, with the 26-year-old racking up nine assists already this term. The figure goes somehow to illustrate how much better Rooney has been under David Moyes than in the second half of Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season at Old Trafford.
5= Francesco Totti – 12
The Italian legend may be 37 but he has lost none of his class and continues to be a mainstay in a new-look Roma side under Rudi Garcia. Despite missing two months of the season through injury, the classy playmaker has already racked up six assists this term and looks set to continue where he left off after the Serie A’s winter break.
3= Koke – 13
The 21-year-old playmaker is the latest bright young thing to emerge from Spain and, along with prolific marksman Diego Costa, is helping to lead Atletico Madrid’s shock title charge. Koke, who usually operates on the left flank, has unsurprising been linked to some of Europe’s biggest clubs but is unlikely to leave in January while the La Liga and Champions League crowns reamain within Atletico’s grasp.
3= Ivan Rakitic – 13
The Sevilla star is not the most glamorous name on this list but is slowing establishing himself as one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders in La Liga. If the Croatia international can continue his club form at next summer’s World Cup, a move to one of Europe’s top clubs could beckon.
2. Franck Ribery – 14
The winger has been the jewel in the crown of the best team on the planet and is alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the final three to win the Ballon d’Or. The France international has arguably got even better under Pep Guardiola’s guidance and seven of his assists have come in 15 games this season.
1. Mesut Ozil – 17
The Arsenal man is way out in front, a full three assists ahead of his nearest challenger. Granted, Ozil recorded 10 of his 17 assists for Real Madrid but seven assists in 15 Premier League starts for Arsenal proves how quickly he has adapted to the English game and suggests he’ll play a huge part in the Gunners’ title challenge.
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