Top 10 Best Playmakers In Football (2024)

In football, a playmaker is a pivotal player who orchestrates the team's strategy, contributing to both offensive and defensive maneuvers.

Their prowess lies in crafting precision passes that pave the way for goals, showcasing exceptional vision, tactical acumen, technical finesse, ball mastery, creativity, and passing precision.

Penetrating the opposing defense demands a unique skill set beyond mere speed or dribbling; it requires astute perception to spot subtle openings and impeccable passing proficiency to exploit those narrow windows.

When evaluating the finest playmakers globally, while assist statistics hold significance in the contemporary game, their true measure lies in their capacity to set the game's rhythm and execute passes that elude most defenders.

Despite common misconceptions, playmakers can occupy various positions such as wingers, "false nines," trequartistas, holding midfielders, wingbacks, or even defensive midfielders.

Those who excel from a defensive stance are termed deep-lying playmakers.

Presenting Betimate's esteemed list of the top 10 playmakers worldwide in 2024.

1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Kevin De Bruyne has garnered widespread acclaim as the premier playmaker in global football over the past decade.

As a midfield maestro for Manchester City, he epitomizes the essence of playmaking. De Bruyne possesses the exceptional ability to unlock resolute defenses with his precise passes, while also boasting a formidable long-range shooting prowess.

His consistent excellence has firmly established him among the elite midfielders worldwide, evidenced by his impressive array of achievements and stellar performances.

The recent addition of Erling Haaland to the Manchester City squad has elevated De Bruyne's impact to new heights. Despite contending with injuries, the 32-year-old managed to deliver 10 assists in 18 Premier League appearances this season, showcasing his enduring influence on the pitch.

2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Lionel Messi, hailed by many as the greatest footballer of all time, embodies the essence of a complete attacker, effortlessly excelling in every facet of the game.

Beyond his prolific goal-scoring prowess, the Argentine virtuoso possesses a remarkable ability to craft opportunities for his teammates, placing him among the elite ranks of footballers with the highest number of assists in the sport's history.

Messi's mesmerizing dribbling mastery and impeccable technique render him a formidable playmaking force, posing a daunting challenge for any defender tasked with containing him on the field.

Moreover, his precision passing ability allows him to seamlessly thread the ball through the tightest of defenses, establishing him as an invaluable asset for any attacking unit.

Having departed PSG for Inter Miami in 2023, Messi swiftly made his mark in his inaugural season, and his performance has reached new heights in the 2023/24 campaign, tallying an impressive 9 assists and 10 goals in just 10 matches thus far.

Not only is the Argentine icon among the premier playmakers in contemporary football, but he has also emerged as one of the standout performers in Major League Soccer (MLS).

3. Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)

Luka Modric stands as one of the most versatile midfielders on the global stage, capable of thriving in virtually any role across the midfield spectrum.

His remarkable performances propelled him to break the Messi-Ronaldo dominance, clinching the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2018 following his instrumental role in Croatia's journey to the FIFA World Cup final.

At 38 years old, Modric continues to showcase his enduring excellence by dictating the rhythm of matches through his adept control of possession from the heart of the midfield.

Renowned for his adeptness in orchestrating "pre-assists" or facilitating build-up plays, Modric excels in creating space and opportunities for his teammates to unleash shots or deliver decisive passes to goal-scoring positions.

Additionally, the Croatian maestro boasts proficiency in set-piece execution, particularly in delivering dangerous corners or precise wide free kicks, further amplifying his impact on the pitch.

4. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

Martin Ødegaard has firmly established himself as one of the premier playmakers in football, particularly showcased by his pivotal role in driving Arsenal towards a formidable title challenge.

Beyond his exceptional playmaking abilities, Ødegaard's adeptness at evading pressure through a combination of balance, agility, and immaculate close control renders him a daunting presence in congested areas, reminiscent of the admired traits of Mesut Özil and Guti.

His creativity transcends mere dribbling prowess; characterized by his astute vision and expansive passing range, Ødegaard adeptly orchestrates play from deeper midfield positions. This transformation under Mikel Arteta has seen him evolve into a more deep-lying playmaker, significantly bolstering Arsenal's effectiveness in counter-attacking situations.

Underlining his impact are impressive statistics, with Ødegaard boasting noteworthy figures in completed final third passes (531) and through-balls (18). Additionally, his contributions extend to goal-scoring, as evidenced by his eight goals and 10 assists in the English Premier League last season, further solidifying his status as a pivotal figure for the Gunners.

5. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno Fernandes has emerged as one of the standout playmakers in the English Premier League since his arrival at Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon, igniting the league with his exceptional talents.

Despite facing occasional fluctuations in form, Bruno retains the capability to single-handedly sway the outcome of a match when at his best.

His on-field prowess is highlighted by his remarkable awareness, vision, and expansive passing range, qualities that have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

Despite Manchester United enduring a challenging campaign last season, Fernandes' brilliance remained undiminished. He consistently led the league in key passes per game, averaging an impressive 3.3, underscoring his pivotal role in driving his team's offensive efforts.

6. Trent-Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)

Arguably among the finest wingbacks globally, Trent Alexander-Arnold, in tandem with other modern fullbacks, has revolutionized the traditional role.

Rarely does a defender wield such influence over a team's playing style, yet this is precisely what Alexander-Arnold accomplishes regularly at Liverpool, courtesy of his exceptional playmaking prowess.

His seamless integration into attacking maneuvers, adeptness in delivering precise crosses into the box, and lethal proficiency in set-piece situations make him an invaluable asset to his team's offensive endeavors.

Despite occasional criticisms regarding his defensive contributions, Alexander-Arnold more than compensates with his dynamic attacking prowess.

Indeed, his average of 2.3 key passes per game in the Premier League underscores his significant impact in the final third, a commendable feat for a defender.

Furthermore, Alexander-Arnold's exceptional vision further distinguishes him as one of the premier footballers in terms of tactical awareness and strategic insight.

7. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Manchester City's roster boasts a wealth of exceptional playmakers, each possessing the ability to turn the tide of a match. From stalwarts like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva to emerging talents like Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, and Rodri, Pep Guardiola's side is teeming with creative brilliance.

This depth in playmaking talent enables Guardiola's team to fluidly operate without a traditional striker, relying instead on the collective creativity and vision of their midfielders and forwards.

Bernardo Silva's versatility further amplifies his significance within the squad, as he seamlessly adapts to various roles across the frontline, serving as a linchpin in City's tactical setup.

Moreover, the Portuguese maestro's exceptional technique, tactical acumen, ball mastery, and precise passing pose a formidable challenge for opposition defenders, further solidifying his importance as a key asset for Manchester City.

8. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan)

Hakan Çalhanoğlu has consistently showcased his playmaking prowess on the global stage, spanning his stints at Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan, and his current tenure with Inter Milan.

Renowned for his adeptness in orchestrating attacks, the Turkish midfielder poses a significant threat from set-pieces, with his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and unlock defenses with incisive through balls.

In addition to his playmaking prowess, Çalhanoğlu is widely regarded as one of the premier set-piece specialists in football, capable of bending free kicks and corners with precision.

Throughout his career, Çalhanoğlu has demonstrated versatility in midfield, often featuring in deeper roles such as a deep-lying playmaker or as an attacking-minded central midfielder, colloquially known as the mezzala role among Italian football enthusiasts.

Furthermore, his proficiency as a penalty-taker further underscores his impact on the pitch, solidifying his reputation as one of the most lethal and multifaceted midfielders in the game.

9. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Florian Wirtz emerged as one of football's premier playmakers during the 2023/24 season, tallying an impressive 18 goals and 19 assists, a testament to his influential role in Bayer Leverkusen's historic campaign.

Despite enduring a severe setback with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in March 2022, Wirtz demonstrated remarkable resilience, requiring nearly a year to recover. His resurgence surpassed all expectations, showcasing exceptional form following such a serious injury.

Wirtz's playmaking prowess was on full display throughout the season, serving as the linchpin of Bayer Leverkusen's attacking endeavors. His consistent output in the final third was evident, as reflected by his averages of 2.2 shots, 2.3 key passes, and 2.5 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga.

Moreover, Wirtz exhibits precision and caution in his ball distribution within the opposition half, boasting an impressive pass completion rate of 84.6% in league fixtures. Such meticulousness underscores his ability to effectively control and dictate play, further solidifying his status as a top-tier playmaker in football.

10. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)

James Maddison epitomizes the electrifying style of play that captures the hearts of fans, showcasing a knack for delivering defense-splitting passes with remarkable precision from any area of the field.

His arrival at Tottenham sparked excitement in the Premier League, and he quickly made his mark by earning the prestigious Player of the Month award for August.

However, Maddison's momentum was halted by an unfortunate ankle injury sustained during a clash with Chelsea in November 2023, dampening his impact on the pitch.

Nevertheless, his noteworthy tally of 9 assists from 28 Premier League appearances underscores his enduring influence and solidifies his position among the elite playmakers in football today.

Additionally, Maddison's proficiency in set-piece situations further enhances his threat on the field, adding another dimension to his already dynamic skill set.