The Premier League’s most creative talents according to three stats - with Wolves, Newcastle, Arsenal and Brighton aces in battle for top spot

Here are the 20 greatest playmakers in the Premier League this season, as ranked by chances created and assists.

Scoring goals is of course the most important factor in football but without chance creation the net will rarely ever bulge.

In the Premier League, the defensive standards are arguably higher than anywhere else on the planet, meaning just one clear-cut pass or cross after patience in possession is often the only way through.

The teams in the top four of the table – Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa – are not coincidentally also the highest scorers, but that doesn't mean all of the division's best creators play for them solely.

Playmakers stand out as entertainers for the sides in the bottom half of the standings, too, especially for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Luton Town.

To see the stars of the show in the creative department, we've dived into three stats – chances created, chances created per 90 and assists – to create a top 20. Here's a full run-through.