When grooming players, academies and youth teams have made one attribute of their game very prominent and well sharpened, no matter the position: creativity. This has seen defenders make it into lists of best playmakers in football. Defenders such as Liverpool’s full-backs: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are typical example.
However, with playmaking being the most important aspect of football, even more important than finishing, average creative players would leave a gapping hole in any club’s pocket.
This has had us dig deep and unearth some gems from the top leagues around the world. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best playmakers in football in 2021, who are cost-effective.
All players on this list of best playmakers in football are valued below the €20 million mark.
Best Playmakers in Football That Won’t Cost a Fortune in 2021
10. Hans Vanakeen – Club Brugge
The lowest ranked player on this list of best playmakers in football is also the most expensive. Club Brugge’s Jan’s Vanakeen is also one of the more experienced players enlisted. Valued at €15 million, the Belgian international has over 90 career assists to his name.
Capable of playing anywhere across the midfield, Vanaken boasts a ridiculous passing range in his locker. The midfielder’s contract expires in 2025, which might drive his market value considerably higher.
9. Oussama Taannane – Vitesse
Part of a blooming generation of Moroccan technicians alongside stars like Hakim Ziyech is Oussama Taanane. Left-footed like his compatriot, Taannane is very versatile and capable of playing anywhere across the attacking frontline.
The 27-year-old makes about 3 key passes per game and is valued at €3.5 million. He might however be more affordable than his market value as his contract expires in 2022.
As well as being the one of the best playmaker in football, he is also the best playmaker in Africa that wouldn’t cost a fortune.
8. Rachid Ghezzal – Besiktas
Algerian winger, Riyahd Mahrez, might be the hottest player from the Arabian nation, but closely trailing on his heels is Beskitas right winger, Rachid Ghezzal.
A left-footed magician, Ghezzal has provided more assists than any player in Turkey. Although valued at €9 million, Ghezzal’s contract runs out in 2021, when he will be able to move as a free agent.
7. Stef Peeters – Eupen
The only central midfielder on this list of best playmakers in football, Peeters is a keen-eyed deep-lying playmaker. Spraying passes like a cannon, the 29-year old is capable of carving out chances from nothing.
Peeters has once tasted top level football when he turned out for Caen in the French Ligue 1 and has hit double figures in assists in two top-flight seasons.
6. Fiaz Selemani – Kortrijk
Another Belgian product on this list of best playmakers in football is Comoros poster boy, Selemani. The 27-year-old had not played top-flight football before 2019, when Kortrijk snapped him up from the Proximus League.
Several factors limited his game time in his debut season, but he has awoken in his second, becoming one of the most creative footballers in the league. With his contract running down in 2022, the left winger is available for less than €1 million.
5. Gyrano Kerk – Utrecht
One of the most undervalued players in world football, Utrecht’s Gyrano Kerk is an unplayable footballer on his day.
Still only 26, the Dutch man has been consistent since he broke into top flight football, directly contributing to at least 15 goals in each of his past 7 seasons. Not only is Kerk one of the best playmakers in football, he also doubles as one of the finest dribblers in modern football.
Despite having a contract that doesn’t expire till 2023, the right-footed right winger is valued at just €6 million.
4. Junya Ito – Genk
The second most in-form Japanese player on earth, Genk’s Junya Ito has been a revelation since moving to Europe.
Although struggling in his first season, the 28-year-old was a creative masterpiece in his last season in Japan, supplying 12 assists. The right winger is another player on this list of best playmakers in football with more assists than goals.
3. Andrew Hjusager – KV Oostende
The Belgium Jupiler Pro League is one of the greatest manufacturers of young talents, producing mercurial talents like playmaking genius, Kevin De Bruyne. One player who has found his feet in the league after eight years at top level football is Andrew Hjusager.
With assists in double figures, the Danish player is yet to make an appearance for his national team but is one of the best performers among his countrymen this season.
2. Raphael Holzhauser – Beerschot V.A.
A player proven over different levels of football, Holzhauser has supplied more assists than any player in Europe’s top leagues. The Austrian international turned 28 in 2020, but still has at least two years to give.
Valued at just €4.2 million, Holzhauser will prove to be a bargain for any club in Europe’s big leagues, as he is one of the best playmakers in football.
1. Xavier Mercier – OH Leuven
The oldest player on this list is also the best playmaker in football that wouldn’t require a breaking of the bank. 31-year-old Xavier Mercier plays for lowly Lueven but has created more clear-cut goal scoring chances than any player in football.
To emphasize his astute creativity and eagle eye for a pass, the Frenchman has supplied more assists than goals in each of his past five campaigns. The attacking midfielder’s contracts expires in 2022 which will see him cost just €1 million.
Best Playmakers in Football That Won’t Cost a Fortune in 2021
Here is a recap of the best playmakers in football that won’t cost a fortune for simplified and easy viewing.
10. Hans Vanakeen
9.Oussama Taanane
8. Rachid Ghezzal
7. Stef Peeters
6. Fiaz Selemani
5. Gyrano Kerk
4. Junya Ito
3. Andrew Hjusager
2. Raphael Holzhauser
1. Xavier Mercier
