Yamal, Guler lead Europe’s top chance creators in 2026

Top chance creators 2026-27 featuring Arda Guler and Lamine Yamal Photo: PA Images

Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler have emerged as two of Europe’s leading chance creators in the 2026-27 season, according to statistics covering the top five leagues on the continent.

Yamal tops the ranking with 30 key passes, while Guler occupies second place with 28, underlining the creative influence of the two young stars in La Liga.

The ranking, published by Planet Football on Wednesday, measures key passes, defined as the final passes before a teammate takes a shot at goal, across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.

Yamal’s position at the summit reflects his growing influence at Barcelona, with the 19-year-old continuing to make an impact through his dribbling, chance creation and contributions in the final third.

Guler, meanwhile, has demonstrated his ability to unlock defences with incisive passing and dangerous set-piece deliveries. However, his tally of two assists from 28 key passes suggests that some of the chances he has created have not been converted by his teammates.

Roma forward Paulo Dybala occupies fifth place with 23 key passes, making him one of Serie A’s leading creative players. The Argentine has also recorded an expected assists figure of 3.68, according to the ranking.

Italian midfielder Giacomo Calo ranks fourth with 24 key passes in six appearances for Frosinone, while Spanish midfielder Inigo Vicente is third with 25 in eight appearances.

The list also features several less prominent names who have made impressive starts to the campaign.

Toulouse midfielder Cristian Casseres, Angers winger Amine Sbai and Lens forward Florian Thauvin have each registered 19 key passes, placing them among the leading creators in Europe’s major leagues.

RB Leipzig left-back David Raum also has 19 key passes in five appearances, highlighting his attacking contribution from defence.

Villarreal winger Alberto Moleiro completes the top 10 with 18 key passes. The 23-year-old has also recorded two goals and three assists in eight La Liga appearances, according to the report.

The figures highlight the importance of creative players in the early stages of the 2026-27 campaign, with established stars and emerging talents making their mark across Europe.

With Yamal and Guler leading the standings, the competition for the season’s most productive chance creators is expected to remain closely watched as the campaign progresses.

• I hope Yamal wins Ballon d’Or, big trophies at Barcelona – Leão
• Runjaic laments Okoye blunder in Udinese loss
• Barcelona thrash Galatasaray 4-1 after comeback in Istanbul

The top 10 chance creators unveiled

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 30 key passes

Arda Guler (Real Madrid) – 28 key passes

Inigo Vicente – 25 key passes

Giacomo Calo (Frosinone) – 24 key passes

Paulo Dybala (Roma) – 23 key passes

Florian Thauvin (Lens) – 19 key passes

David Raum (RB Leipzig) – 19 key passes

Cristian Casseres (Toulouse) – 19 key passes

Amine Sbai (Angers) – 19 key passes

Alberto Moleiro (Villarreal) – 18 key passes

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.