This is not the assist list – obviously – because these chances weren’t necessarily converted, but it gives a good indication of where the Blues’ creative genius lies...
1 David Silva - 76
Yes, had the Blues converted every chance the Spanish magician had created we’d have been 76 goals better off! This list gives a better indication of an individual’s contribution to the team and few could argue Silva’s is immense based on these stats!
2 Carlos Tevez -55
Carlos Tevez hasn’t quite set the scoring charts on fire this season but he has set-up 55 chances so far this season which is easily the best of the striking trio currently at the Club. Tevez is at the heart of many of City’s intricate passing moves and, as with Silva, this figure underlines his importance to the team - especially as he’s already topped two previous lists for shots and assists!
3 Gareth Barry - 37
Considering Barry’s role in the team is to protect the back four and defend from midfield, 37 chances created is a superb contribution. He may not trouble the scoring columns too often, but the consummate team man is more than happy to make chances for everyone else.
4 Yaya Toure - 36
Yaya’s movement and intelligence are a major part of his game – that coupled with power, finesse and speed, of course. The big man has created 36 chances to date – not bad considering perhaps half his appearances have been in the anchor role of midfield.
5 Samir Nasri - 34
The French playmaker has had fewer appearances than those above him in this list yet finds himself in fourth with a more than respectable 34 chances created to date.
Nasri’s three goals this season are not quite the return many expected but he clearly is doing his job in other areas
...The List...
6 Sergio Aguero - 33
City’s joint-top scorer is locked in a three-way battle to top the goals chart for the Blues but he doesn’t forget his role as a team player as the 33 chances created so far prove. His job is primarily to put the ball in the back of the net but if there is someone better placed, he clearly will try and give them the opportunity – the mark of a great all-round forward.
Note: James Milner has created 31 chances from just 16 starts - almost two per game - suggesting that, but for injury and suspension, he would have been in the top three in this list.
Statistics kindly provided by OPTA.
