Top 10 forwards for xA across Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues

The top five leagues in Europe, known as the 'Big Five', has some exceptional forwards who have caught the eye with their creativity this season.

Here are the ten forwards in the 'Big Five' with the highest xA per 90 minutes and actual assists per 90 minutes.

 

Mohamed Salah

xA per90 - 0.35

Assists per90 – 0.41

 

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has always been a trailblazer with his goal-scoring exploits for the Kop but what sometimes goes unnoticed is his fantastic ability to find his team-mates in pockets of spaces in the opposition half. It’s no wonder therefore that he finds himself with double figures it not just goals but assists as well.

 

Kylian Mbappe

xA per90 – 0.34

Assists per90 – 0.56

 

Next up is another forward who is quickly establishing himself as the best player on the planet, PSG ace Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman has always been an incredibly effective presence on the pitch as a goal-scoring outlet for his team but this season, he has added other parts to his game to become an even more devastating all-round player.

 

Karim Benzema

xA per90 – 0.29

Assists per90 – 0.45

 

Just when you think Karim Benzema is close to being done, he has shown time and again what makes him unique amongst the world’s best forwards. The Frenchman has led the Los Blancos title challenge this season and has kept the Galacticos floating in the Champions League with his goals as well. His creative exploits were well-known when the club still had Cristiano Ronaldo, but now, in his absence, Benzema has stepped up to the role and still gives just as much to the team.

 

Karim Onisiwo

xA per90 – 0.25

Assists per90 – 0.30

 

Mainz forward Karim Onisiwo is not necessarily popular for his goals for the club. However, the Austrian international is certainly a creative force for the side and what he lacks in goals, he more than makes up for with his chance-creating exploits alongside explosive young forwards like Jonathan Burkardt.

 

Memphis Depay

xA per90 – 0.22

Assists per90 – 0.12

 

Memphis’ first season in La Liga has been disrupted by injuries, however, the Dutchman’s underlying numbers remain strong and once he returns to full fitness, no doubt Xavi will have a very useful asset to add to his thriving attack for next season.

 

Michail Antonio

xA per90 – 0.21

Assists per90 – 0.24

 

West Ham United under David Moyes this season have been high-flyers to say the least and if they achieve European qualification once again this season, Michail Antonio will certainly have a big say in that. The Jamaican international has been almost irreplaceable for the Hammers in his contributions and hard work on and off the ball. He has a unique profile for a striker and challenges opposition defences in multiple ways and not only that, but his team-mates also benefit from his link-play as well.

 

Raheem Sterling

xA per90 – 0.20

Assists per90 – 0.16

 

Manchester City’s wide array of attacking talents is a mesmerising watch on their day but few attackers fit as well as Raheem Sterling does, in their system. Sterling’s ability to stretch defences, find space in behind and movement in the box allows him to be a goal-scoring threat as well as a chance-creating threat for his team, which is why he can never be kept away from the starting XI for too long.

 

Iago Aspas

xA per90 – 0.19

Assists per90 – 0.15

 

Spanish veteran Iago Aspas has been carrying Celta Vigo on his back since arriving at the club in the summer of 2015 and at the age of 33, he continues to deliver goals and assists with consistency, having scored 13 times this season and assisted a further four more.

 

Wissam Ben Yedder

xA per90 – 0.18

Assists per90 – 0.18

 

French forward Wissam Ben Yedder has been one of Ligue 1’s under-rated forwards in recent years, plying his trade under the radar at AS Monaco. He is able to produce some brilliant moments on the pitch and combines his eye for goal with a keen eye for a chance-creating pass as well.

 

Burak Yilmaz

xA per90 – 0.17

Assists per90 – 0.14

 

Lastly, Lille forward Burak Yilmaz continues to defy expectations at the age of 36. The Turkey international has not enjoyed the same prolific season as he did in 20-21, however, his underlying numbers still remain encouraging.