Creativity is one of football’s most valuable and difficult-to-measure qualities.

A creative player can unlock an organised defence with a disguised pass, create space through a dribble or deliver a cross into an area from which a teammate can score. Assists provide part of the picture, but they depend on the receiving player converting the opportunity.

Chances created, key passes, expected assists, big chances created and successful through-balls can provide a more complete assessment. Even then, statistics cannot fully capture the imagination required to spot an opportunity before anyone else.

This ranking combines evidence from the opening weeks of 2026/27 with data from the completed 2025/26 campaign. Using both seasons prevents a small number of early matches from determining the entire order.

Statistics are correct as of 19 September 2026 and will change as the season progresses.

The Most Creative Premier League Players in 2026/27

1. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United
2. Rayan Cherki, Manchester City
3. Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal
4. Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool
5. Pascal Groß, Brighton & Hove Albion
6. Cole Palmer, Chelsea
7. Morgan Rogers, Chelsea
8. James McAtee, Nottingham Forest
9. Granit Xhaka, Sunderland
10. Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

1. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes remains the strongest candidate to be considered the Premier League’s most creative player.

The Manchester United captain created more than 130 chances during the 2025/26 campaign, finishing comfortably ahead of every other player in the competition. He also registered 21 assists, demonstrating that his chances were regularly converted into goals.

Fernandes has continued to create opportunities during the opening weeks of 2026/27. His current numbers are not yet as dominant as they were last season, but he remains central to almost everything Manchester United produce in the final third.

His creativity comes from several areas. He can play through-balls from central midfield, deliver crosses from wider positions and switch play towards a teammate isolated against a defender.

Fernandes is also willing to attempt passes that many players would reject as too risky. This can make his possession statistics appear untidy, but creativity often requires a willingness to lose the ball while trying to produce something decisive.

His set-piece delivery adds another dimension. Corners, wide free-kicks and direct attempts allow him to influence matches even when United are struggling to create from open play.

No other current Premier League player combines his creative volume, positional freedom and proven end product quite as consistently.

2. Rayan Cherki, Manchester City

Rayan Cherki is arguably the most naturally imaginative player in the Premier League.

The Manchester City playmaker created around 60 chances and registered 12 assists during the 2025/26 season, despite starting only 19 league matches. His creativity per minute was consequently among the best in the competition.

Cherki has made another productive start in 2026/27. He created 10 chances across the opening four matches while playing fewer minutes than many of the players above him in the early totals.

His rate of more than four chances created per 90 minutes underlines how frequently he finds a way to open the opposition’s defence.

Cherki’s two-footed ability makes him especially unpredictable. He can play a through-ball, cross or shoot from several angles without having to move possession onto one strongly preferred foot.

He also uses disguise exceptionally well. Cherki can shape his body to suggest a conventional pass before instead attempting a reverse ball, backheel or outside-of-the-foot delivery.

Some of his decisions carry a high degree of risk, but that ambition is central to his value. Manchester City already possess numerous players capable of retaining possession. Cherki offers the imagination required to break a defensive pattern.

3. Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal

Martin Ødegaard has been one of the leading creators during the opening weeks of 2026/27.

The Arsenal captain created 12 chances across his first four league appearances, placing him near the top of the early-season rankings. His production is particularly impressive given that he played fewer minutes than several of the other leading creators.

Ødegaard’s creativity is based on awareness, technique and an exceptional understanding of space.

He is most influential in the right half-space, where he can combine with Bukayo Saka, release an overlapping defender or play a disguised pass into the penalty area.

His body positioning is a major advantage. Ødegaard regularly scans before receiving possession and opens his body in a way that allows him to see several attacking options at once.

He is also excellent at manipulating defenders. A small touch or delayed pass can draw an opponent out of position, creating a route that did not exist a moment earlier.

Ødegaard’s 2025/26 chance-creation total was lower than those of several players in this ranking, partly because he played fewer minutes. His current output suggests he is ready to re-establish himself among the Premier League’s most productive playmakers.

4. Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool

Dominik Szoboszlai combines creative passing with one of the broadest delivery ranges in the Premier League.

The Liverpool midfielder created close to 80 chances during 2025/26, placing him second in the competition behind Fernandes. He also recorded seven assists.

Szoboszlai has continued that form into 2026/27, creating 11 chances across the opening four matches. He has been particularly productive with longer deliveries, leading the early rankings for long key passes.

His ability to switch play is an important part of Liverpool’s attacking structure. A powerful diagonal pass can move the ball away from pressure and give a winger the opportunity to attack an isolated full-back.

Szoboszlai also creates from set pieces. His delivery from corners and free-kicks gives Liverpool another route to goal, particularly against opponents defending in a compact shape.

His physical attributes complement his technical quality. He can carry the ball away from pressure, advance into a more threatening position and then produce the final pass while the defence is retreating.

Szoboszlai may not possess Cherki’s improvisation or Fernandes’ extraordinary creative volume, but his range and versatility make him one of the league’s most complete creators.

5. Pascal Groß, Brighton & Hove Albion

Pascal Groß has made the most productive creative start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.

The Brighton midfielder created 13 chances across the opening four matches, the highest total in the division at that stage. He also contributed two assists and two goals.

Groß rarely relies on pace or individual dribbling to create an opportunity. Instead, his influence comes from awareness, movement and the quality of his delivery.

He constantly looks for spaces from which he can cross or play forward. When receiving the ball, he often knows where his next pass is going before an opponent has time to close him down.

His set-piece delivery is another important source of creativity. Groß can vary the speed, height and direction of his crosses, making it difficult for defenders to anticipate the intended target.

He created 39 chances during 2025/26, a lower total than many players in the top 10. However, his current rate represents a significant increase and reflects his importance within Brighton’s attacking structure.

The main question is whether he can sustain his outstanding opening production over a full campaign.

6. Cole Palmer, Chelsea

Part of a formidable front 3, Cole Palmer remains one of the Premier League’s most dangerous creators around the penalty area.

The Chelsea attacker created nine chances during the opening four matches of 2026/27. His influence extends beyond those opportunities, as his movement, shooting threat and technical control regularly force defenders to adjust their positions.

Palmer is most dangerous when moving infield from the right. From there, he can attempt a left-footed shot, combine with a central forward or disguise a pass behind the defensive line.

The possibility that he might shoot enhances his creativity. Defenders must move towards him to close the angle, potentially opening a passing lane for one of his teammates.

Palmer also possesses the composure required to operate in crowded attacking areas. He rarely appears rushed, even when several defenders are positioned between him and the goal.

His creativity does not always involve spectacular deliveries. A short pass at the correct moment can be enough to release an overlapping runner or create an opportunity for a teammate inside the penalty area.

Palmer’s combination of goalscoring ability and chance creation makes him especially difficult to defend. Opponents cannot focus exclusively on preventing the pass because doing so may provide him with room to shoot.

7. Morgan Rogers, Chelsea

Morgan Rogers has made an impressive creative start to life at Chelsea.

He created 10 chances during the opening four matches of 2026/27 while also contributing three goals. That combination demonstrates his ability to influence attacks as both a creator and a scorer.

Rogers frequently creates opportunities through carrying the ball. His strength and close control allow him to move through midfield, attract defenders and release a teammate into the space that has opened.

This differs from the style of a more traditional playmaker. Rogers does not always begin an attack by identifying an existing passing route. Instead, he can generate the route himself by forcing an opponent to leave their position.

His versatility also makes him difficult to contain. Rogers can operate centrally, play from a wider starting position or advance directly towards goal.

He created fewer than 50 chances during the whole of 2025/26, so his current rate represents a significant improvement. His new role and the quality of the players around him appear to have increased his creative influence.

Maintaining that production across the season would establish Rogers as one of the Premier League’s leading all-round attackers.

8. James McAtee, Nottingham Forest

James McAtee has emerged as one of the surprise creative leaders of 2026/27.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder created 11 chances during his first four appearances, putting him alongside several of the league’s most established playmakers.

McAtee is comfortable receiving possession between the opposition’s midfield and defence. He can turn quickly, carry the ball forward and release a teammate before the defensive structure has time to reorganise.

His creativity is particularly valuable during transitions. Forest often look to advance quickly after recovering possession, meaning the first forward pass can determine whether a promising situation becomes a genuine chance.

McAtee has the awareness to identify runners during those moments. He can play into the channels, release a winger or carry the ball until a defender is forced to engage him.

His current ranking remains provisional because the sample is small. He does not yet possess the full-season Premier League evidence available for Fernandes, Cherki or Szoboszlai.

However, his early production suggests he could become one of the most important creative players outside the traditional leading clubs.

9. Granit Xhaka, Sunderland

Granit Xhaka has quickly become Sunderland’s creative organiser.

The experienced midfielder created around 10 or 11 chances across the opening four matches, with totals varying slightly between statistical providers.

Xhaka’s creativity comes primarily from deeper areas. He can switch play with his left foot, deliver into the penalty area and find teammates between the opposition’s defensive lines.

He does not need to carry the ball high up the pitch to influence an attack. His range allows him to reshape Sunderland’s possession from a relatively deep position.

Xhaka is also capable of recognising when a direct pass is available. If an opposing defensive line moves forward, he can play over or through it before the gap disappears.

His experience supports his decision-making. Xhaka understands when Sunderland need to retain possession and when the potential reward justifies attempting a more ambitious delivery.

He created only 34 chances during the 2025/26 Premier League season. His much faster start to 2026/27 suggests that Sunderland are giving him greater responsibility for constructing attacks.

10. Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

Bukayo Saka completes the top 10 after several seasons of consistent creative production.

The Arsenal winger created more than 60 chances during 2025/26 despite not playing every available minute. His average of approximately 2.5 chances created per 90 placed him among the division’s leading regular creators.

Saka’s early 2026/27 chance-creation total is not as high as those of Ødegaard or some of the other current leaders. Nevertheless, his broader record makes him impossible to ignore.

His creativity is closely connected to his one-on-one threat. Opponents frequently assign more than one defender to stop him, opening space for Ødegaard, an overlapping defender or a central runner.

Saka can create by crossing from the outside, cutting infield and playing with his left foot or combining through quick passes near the penalty area.

His physical strength also enables him to protect possession under pressure. Even when a defender makes contact, Saka can retain the ball long enough to identify a teammate.

Unlike some traditional creators, he also offers a considerable goalscoring threat. This forces defenders to balance the risk of allowing him to shoot against the danger of opening a passing route.

Honourable Mentions

Declan Rice

Declan Rice created more than 60 chances during 2025/26 and has contributed two assists in the opening weeks of the new campaign.

His creativity comes from progressive passing, set-piece delivery and the ability to carry possession through midfield. He narrowly misses the top 10 because his primary role also includes significant defensive and ball-progression responsibilities.

Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz created around 60 chances during 2025/26 and remains one of the league’s most technically accomplished attacking midfielders.

He specialises in operating between the lines, combining with teammates and disguising passes near the penalty area. His early 2026/27 totals are relatively modest, but his established ability keeps him close to the ranking.

Enzo Fernández

Enzo Fernández finished among the leading chance creators in 2025/26, producing close to 70 opportunities for Chelsea.

His passing range allows him to influence matches from several midfield positions. However, changes to Chelsea’s squad and the arrival of other creative players have affected the distribution of attacking responsibility.

Morgan Gibbs-White

Morgan Gibbs-White continues to offer creativity, goals and set-piece quality for Nottingham Forest.

He can receive between the lines, carry the ball into attacking areas and play direct passes towards the forwards. The emergence of McAtee gives Forest another creator and may reduce their dependence on Gibbs-White.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford created nine chances during his opening four appearances of the new season.

His speed and direct running can force defenders to retreat, giving him opportunities to cross or play a cutback into the penalty area. He will need to maintain his early rate to move into the top 10.

Maxim De Cuyper

Maxim De Cuyper has made an excellent creative start for Brighton.

The defender created approximately nine or 10 chances during the opening weeks, showing that creativity does not have to come exclusively from attacking midfielders and wingers.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall created nine chances during Everton’s first four matches.

His movement, pressing and ability to carry possession allow him to support attacks from midfield. His early output suggests he could become an important creative presence over the course of the campaign.

What Makes a Creative Player?

Creativity cannot be reduced to one statistic.

The most creative players combine several qualities:

• Vision: Recognising attacking possibilities before they become obvious.
• Passing ability: Delivering the ball accurately into difficult areas.
• Disguise: Preventing defenders from anticipating the intended action.
• Dribbling: Beating an opponent to create a new passing or shooting route.
• Movement: Finding spaces from which an attack can be influenced.
• Timing: Releasing the ball when a teammate has the greatest advantage.
• Crossing: Delivering accurately from wide or deeper positions.
• Set-piece quality: Creating opportunities from corners and free-kicks.
• Risk-taking: Attempting actions that may fail but carry a significant potential reward.
• Decision-making: Understanding when to create directly and when to retain possession.

A player can be technically gifted without being consistently creative. The defining quality is the ability to turn technique and awareness into opportunities for teammates.

Why Assists Do Not Tell the Whole Story

Assists are valuable, but they depend partly on finishing.

A player can produce an excellent pass that creates a clear opportunity, only for the receiving teammate to miss. The creator receives no assist despite performing their role perfectly.

The reverse is also possible. A routine pass may be recorded as an assist if the receiving player scores from a difficult position.

Chances created and expected assists provide additional context. They measure how often a player supplies shooting opportunities and assess the expected quality of those chances.

Even these statistics have limitations. A pass that opens an entire defence may not count as a chance created if another player makes the final delivery. This is sometimes described as a pre-assist or secondary assist.

The most reliable assessment therefore combines assists, chances created, expected assists and an understanding of each player’s tactical role.

The Difference Between Passing and Creativity

The best passer is not always the most creative player.

A centre-back may complete hundreds of accurate passes and influence a team’s build-up without regularly creating shooting opportunities. A creative attacker may complete fewer passes because they attempt riskier deliveries in congested areas.

Creativity can also come from actions other than passing. A successful dribble may draw two defenders towards the ball and create space for a teammate. An intelligent run can disrupt a defensive line even if the player never receives possession.

Fernandes and Ødegaard create primarily through passing and movement. Cherki adds dribbling and improvisation, while Rogers often creates by carrying the ball and attracting opponents.

This ranking focuses on the ability to produce opportunities rather than general technical security.

Why Previous-Season Data Matters

The opening weeks of a new season can create distorted rankings.

One match containing five chances created can move a player to the top of the table, particularly when everyone has played only four or five times.

Full-season evidence offers a more dependable picture. Fernandes’ extraordinary 2025/26 total establishes him as the standard against which the current field should be judged. Szoboszlai, Cherki, Saka, Rice and Wirtz also produced consistently across a much larger sample.

The new-season data is still valuable because it identifies players whose roles have changed or whose influence is increasing.

Groß, McAtee, Rogers and Xhaka have all made particularly creative starts to 2026/27. The challenge is maintaining that production as the sample grows and opponents adjust.

Who Is the Most Creative Player in the Premier League in 2026/27?

Bruno Fernandes remains the Premier League’s most creative player based on the strongest available body of evidence.

He created more than 130 chances and supplied 21 assists during 2025/26, giving him a substantial advantage over every other player in both categories.

Ødegaard and Groß have started the new season strongly, while Cherki is producing chances at an exceptional rate relative to his minutes. Szoboszlai offers creativity through open play, long passes and set pieces.

Fernandes is not currently leading every 2026/27 category, but four matches are not enough to overturn the evidence of an entire season. His volume, ambition and ability to create from several areas keep him at the top.

Final Thoughts

The Premier League’s most creative players use very different methods to unlock defences.

Fernandes relies on ambition and extraordinary passing volume. Cherki provides imagination and two-footed technique, while Ødegaard manipulates space through precision and intelligence. Szoboszlai offers range and delivery, and Palmer combines creativity with a major scoring threat.

The early 2026/27 data has also highlighted Groß, McAtee, Rogers and Xhaka. Each has taken on significant creative responsibility and produced opportunities at an impressive rate.

Creativity is ultimately about seeing possibilities that other players miss. The best creators do not simply react to space. They manipulate opponents, change the shape of an attack and produce openings that appeared impossible only seconds earlier.