Five of the best number 10s in the Premier League, from clubs such as Manchester City and Liverpool.
Of all the positions in football, there are few more pleasing to watch than an exceptional playmaker. Sitting in the hole behind the striker, they are the creative hub of any good team. The Premier League in particular has some superb ‘number 10s’, but let’s take a look at the top five.
5. Dimitri Payet
Payet arrived in the Premier League last year and immediately took it by storm. An eclectic blend of canny tricks and mind-blowing set-pieces has seen his stock soar in the last 18 months and it’s no wonder that the Frenchman has reportedly been courted by some of Europe’s biggest sides. If West Ham are to stand any chance of staying up, they desperately need this man fit and firing until the end.
West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet looks dejected
4. Philippe Coutinho
One of the most dynamic players in the Premier League and one of Liverpool’s most important; Coutinho makes the Reds tick with regularity and, unlike a couple of others on this list, is perhaps more famed for his goal-scoring than his goal-creating (however, he is adept at both). It took a while for the Brazilian to settle after being signed by Brendan Rodgers in 2013 but Liverpool are now reaping the rewards of one of the Northern Irishman’s most inspired signings.
3. David Silva
The first of two Manchester City players on this list is a man who has tormented Premier League defences for over six years now. With two Premier League titles to his name as well as almost 200 Premier League appearances, there are few more seasoned stars of the class of David Silva. What’s more, he is still producing at the highest level for both club and country.
Manchester City’s David Silva
2. Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian has been an impeccable part of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this season and has been one of a few catalysts for their fluid front line. His goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford exhibited exactly how well he can dovetail with the strikers and, while his on-field presence may not be as tangible as a ‘pocket rocket’ like Coutinho, De Bruyne’s footballing brain means he sees the game as well as anyone.
1. Mesut Ozil
Our number one playmaker in the league is also in here partly due to his ludicrous ability to see things that nobody else does. On talent alone, Ozil is arguably the best player of any position in the league and, now that he has found his feet at the Gunners, there is nobody that can stop him when he’s in the mood. As of this season, he has added goals to his game and the German is thriving in the space Alexis Sanchez is creating for him up top. If he signs a new contract at Arsenal, expect big things for years to come.
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in action with Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele
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