The playmaker position is crucial for offensive play; even with the world's
best strikers in your team, they can't showcase their scoring abilities
without a top-notch playmaker. How will they receive the passes that turn
into goals if the team lacks a playmaker who can set them up for direct
encounters with goalkeepers?
In this article from the Goal reader Blog, we will explore five of the best
playmakers in football history, as assessed by some, using statistical
evidence as the primary basis.
Andrés Iniesta
Without a doubt, Barcelona and Spanish national team legend Andrés Iniesta
ranks among the best playmakers in history. A product of La Masia, renowned
for producing world-class midfielders, Iniesta was a cornerstone of Pep
Guardiola's Barcelona side, arguably the most complete team in European
football history.
Iniesta has been out of the spotlight since 2018, moving from Barcelona to
the Japanese league, and currently, he plays in the UAE league at the age of
forty.
Andrés Iniesta’s Statistics with Barcelona
During his time with Barcelona, one of the highlights of his career, Andrés
Iniesta played 674 matches. He demonstrated his playmaking abilities by
contributing to 136 goals, including 57 goals scored himself.
Zinedine Zidane
Beyond his legendary coaching career at Real Madrid, Zidane also made his
mark as one of the greatest players to grace the Bernabéu. The Frenchman's
artistry on the ball, showcased throughout his European career, undoubtedly
earns him a place among the best playmakers of all time.
Zinedine Zidane’s Statistics with Real Madrid as a Player
Zidane played 227 matches for Real Madrid, where he contributed to 117
goals, scoring 49 and providing 68 assists.
Zinedine Zidane’s Statistics with Juventus
During his time at Juventus, Zidane played 212 matches, contributing to 69
goals, including 38 assists and 31 goals scored.
Xavi Hernández
After mentioning Andrés Iniesta as one of the greatest playmakers, it’s
essential to also mention Xavi Hernández, who, along with Iniesta, formed
what some consider the best midfield partnership in history. Xavi, the
Barcelona legend, made a significant impact as a player.
Xavi Hernández’s coaching stint with Barcelona didn’t impress many Camp Nou
fans, but his legacy as a playmaker is unforgettable.
Xavi Hernández’s Statistics with Barcelona as a Player
Xavi’s career with Barcelona saw him participate in 767 matches,
contributing to 270 goals, with 185 assists and 85 goals scored.
Mesut Özil
Regardless of how consistent he was at the top level of European football,
Mesut Özil’s exceptional abilities, The German playmaker, with experience in
top European leagues, possesses extraordinary abilities that are rarely
seen.
Özil's main criticism is his lack of consistency compared to other players
on this list, but his talent is unquestionable.
Özil played for several teams, most notably Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Mesut Özil’s Statistics with Real Madrid
In 159 matches for Real Madrid, Özil contributed to 107 goals with 80
assists and 27 goals.
Mesut Özil’s Statistics with Arsenal
In 254 matches for Arsenal, Özil contributed to 121 goals with 77 assists
and 44 goals..
Diego Armando Maradona
No list of the greatest playmakers can be complete without the name of
Argentine legend Diego Armando Maradona, the oldest player on our list.
Maradona, a constant presence in discussions about the best footballers of
all time, delivered legendary performances at several clubs, most notably
Barcelona and Napoli, as well as internationally. He is, alongside Lionel
Messi, one of Argentina’s greatest footballers.
Diego Armando Maradona’s Statistics with Barcelona
At Barcelona, Maradona played 58 matches, contributing to 40 goals, with 38
goals scored and 2 assists.
Diego Armando Maradona’s Statistics with Napoli
During his best years at Napoli, Maradona played 259 matches, contributing
to 120 goals, including 115 goals scored and 5 assists.
Diego Armando Maradona’s Statistics with Argentina
Maradona played 111 international matches for Argentina, achieving
extraordinary statistics with 101 contributions to goals, including 54 goals
scored and 47 assists.