The Premier League’s Playmaker Award: A New Era of Recognition
Goalscorers have long been the darlings of football, their every strike a moment of glory. However, the introduction of the Premier League’s Playmaker Award in recent years has finally brought the spotlight to those who craft the opportunities—those unsung heroes who create the magic. Awarded to the player with the most assists in each campaign, this accolade pays overdue tribute to the chance creators. The race to win the 2024/25 Playmaker Award is already heating up, and with the season well underway, several players are emerging as strong contenders. Last season’s winner, Ollie Watkins, set a high bar with 13 assists, helping Aston Villa secure Champions League qualification. So, who will take the prize this time around?
Heung-min Son: Tottenham’s Steady Hand
It’s been a challenging season for Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou. Injuries have decimated the squad, and those who have played have often struggled to find their rhythm. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, Heung-min Son has remained a beacon of consistency. Despite occasional questioning of his form, the South Korean international has still managed an impressive nine assists, placing him among the top creators in the league. Only four players have managed more, a testament to Son’s enduring quality and unwavering commitment to the team. As the captain of Spurs, Son’s leadership and skill continue to be vital, making him a strong contender for the Playmaker Award.
Mikkel Damsgaard: Brentford’s Creative Hub
Mikkel Damsgaard’s journey at Brentford has been a tale of patience and perseverance. After a slow start in his first couple of seasons, the Denmark international has blossomed into the creative force Brentford fans had always hoped for. This season, Damsgaard has been the linchpin of Thomas Frank’s side, recording an outstanding 10 assists in the Premier League. While Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have garnered much of the attention for their goal-scoring exploits, it is Damsgaard’s contributions that have quietly underpinned Brentford’s success. His vision and creativity on the pitch have made him a key player and a serious contender for the Playmaker Award.
Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s Rising Star
Bukayo Saka was the early frontrunner for the Playmaker Award, and despite a setback in the form of a hamstring injury, he remains a formidable contender. Saka has recorded 10 assists in just 16 league appearances, a testament to his exceptional talent and efficiency. The young Arsenal winger underwent surgery in December and has been sidelined since, but his recent participation in the team’s warm weather training in Dubai suggests he could be ahead of schedule in his recovery. If Saka returns to his best form, he has the potential to challenge for the top spot, making him a player to watch in the coming months.
Antonee Robinson: Fulham’s Surprise Package
Few would have predicted Antonee Robinson’s rise to prominence this season, but the Fulham full-back has been nothing short of outstanding. With 10 Premier League assists already to his name, Robinson leads the league in assists by a defender and is closing in on the single-season record of 13, set by Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2019/20. This achievement is even more remarkable considering that the USA international had managed just seven assists in his previous 101 games as a Premier League player. Robinson’s transformation has been a key factor in Fulham’s strong performance this season, making him a dark horse for the Playmaker Award.
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool’s Unstoppable Force
If there is one player who seems destined to claim the Playmaker Award, it is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian international has been in spectacular form this season, leading the league with 17 assists and 25 goals. His productivity is staggering, with a goal involvement every 59.1 minutes, setting new standards of excellence. Salah’s all-around performance has made him a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, and he is well on track to win his second Playmaker of the Season award. His combination of skill, vision, and clinical finishing has made him indispensable to Liverpool, and he remains the odds-on favorite to clinch the top assist accolade.
Conclusion: The Race for the Playmaker Award
As the 2024/25 Premier League season progresses, the race for the Playmaker Award is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Heung-min Son, Mikkel Damsgaard, Bukayo Saka, Antonee Robinson, and Mohamed Salah are all strong contenders, each bringing their unique skills and creativity to the table. While Salah appears to be the frontrunner, the unpredictability of football could still see any of these talented players emerge as the winner. The Playmaker Award not only celebrates individual brilliance but also highlights the importance of teamwork and creativity in the beautiful game.
