The Most Assists in a Premier League Season: A Tale of Creativity and Dominance
Mohamed Salah is on the cusp of another remarkable achievement, drawing closer to breaking the record for the most assists in a single Premier League season. During Liverpool’s recent victory over Newcastle, Salah set up Alexis Mac Allister for the second goal, marking his 17th assist of the 2024/25 campaign. This feat places him in esteemed company, as only five players in the history of the league have ever recorded more assists in a single season. Despite his age, 32, Salah continues to defy expectations, leading the league in both goals (25) and assists (17), a testament to his enduring brilliance and the pivotal role he plays for Liverpool.
Cesc Fabregas: The Creative Hub at Arsenal
Cesc Fabregas is a name synonymous with creativity in the Premier League, first making waves during his time at Arsenal. In the 2007/08 season, Fabregas emerged as the new face of the post-Invincibles era, leading an inexperienced side with a maturity beyond his years. After Thierry Henry’s departure, Fabregas stepped up, contributing 17 assists and seven goals, guiding Arsenal to a respectable fourth-place finish, just four points behind Manchester United. His exceptional playmaking abilities and leadership earned him nominations for both the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, with the latter recognizing his outstanding contributions.
Frank Lampard: The Midfield Maestro at Chelsea
Frank Lampard’s name is etched in Premier League history as a pivotal figure in Chelsea’s title-winning run in 2004/05. Under Jose Mourinho, Lampard was the linchpin of a side that broke a long-standing trophy drought. While Chelsea’s record-breaking defensive record (15 goals conceded) is often highlighted, it was Lampard’s offensive prowess that truly set them apart. Scoring 13 goals and registering 18 assists, Lampard was instrumental in Chelsea’s success, earning him the FWA Footballer of the Year Award. His ability to score and create from midfield was unmatched, making him a dual threat and a cornerstone of Mourinho’s tactical brilliance.
Cesc Fabregas: Resurgence at Chelsea
Cesc Fabregas made a triumphant return to English football in 2014, joining Chelsea for a fee of around £30m. His first season in West London was nothing short of spectacular, as he helped the Blues secure the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho again. Fabregas led the league in assists with 18, forming a formidable partnership with Diego Costa. His assist for Andre Schurrle in the season-opener against Burnley stands as one of the most memorable moments, showcasing his pinpoint passing and vision. This performance further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest playmakers to have graced the Premier League.
Kevin De Bruyne: Consistent Creativity at Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne has become a consistent presence in the Premier League’s assist charts, leading the league for assists on four separate occasions. His breakthrough season came in 2016/17, where he recorded 18 assists, significantly improving his performance from his modest first year at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. De Bruyne’s vision, precision, and work rate have made him a linchpin of City’s attacking play, and he currently ranks second for all-time Premier League assists, trailing only Ryan Giggs. His ability to control the tempo of the game and create opportunities for his teammates has been a key factor in Manchester City’s dominance over the years.
Mesut Ozil and Thierry Henry: The Ultimate Playmakers
Mesut Ozil, during his time at Arsenal in 2015/16, came within a hair’s breadth of breaking the Premier League’s single-season assist record. Ozil’s 19 assists were a testament to his creative brilliance, marking the most productive campaign of his Arsenal tenure. He is one of the few players to have led the assist charts in three of Europe’s top leagues, including the Bundesliga and La Liga.
However, the ultimate standard bearer in this category is Thierry Henry, who achieved an unprecedented feat in the 2002/03 season. Henry became the first player in Premier League history to score and assist 20 goals each in a single season. His 20 assists and 24 goals remain a benchmark that no one has matched, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers to have played in England. Henry’s combination of pace, skill, and vision made him an unparalleled force, and his iconic performances continue to be celebrated by fans and analysts alike.
The Pursuit of Perfection: Salah’s Legacy Continues
Salah’s current form is a striking reminder of his exceptional talent and his ability to impact games in multiple ways. At 32, he is not just maintaining his high standards but possibly surpassing them, as evidenced by his leading the league in both goals and assists. His 17th assist of the season against Newcastle is a remarkable achievement, and his pursuit of the single-season assist record is a testament to his relentless drive and skill. If Salah continues his current form, he could not only break the record but also cement his place among the greats of the Premier League, alongside legends like Henry, Lampard, and De Bruyne. His season so far is a perfect blend of goal-scoring prowess and creative genius, making him a true modern-day football icon.
