Ahead of the Premier League's resumption, we look at the leading contenders for the 2019/20 Premier League awards, in association with Cadbury.
Playmaker
As the Premier League returns, one of the competition's finest creators is targeting individual glory as he aims to finish the season with the most assists.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne leads the race after setting up 16 goals so far in 2019/20, four more than anyone else.
Back in 2017/18, that same tally was enough to make the Belgian the inaugural winner of the Playmaker prize.
He is now on course to claim it for the second time in three seasons and he will seek to extend his lead when Man City host Arsenal on Wednesday.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is De Bruyne's nearest challenger, after racking up 12 assists for the Premier League leaders.
The 21-year-old has already equalled his total from last season, which was the most for a defender in a campaign.
Riyad Mahrez is third in the assists chart, four behind Alexander-Arnold.
The Man City winger will hope to replicate the nine assists Thierry Henry racked up for Arsenal in the final nine Matchweeks of the 2002/03 season to challenge the leading duo.
Race for Playmaker award
| Player | Club | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin De Bruyne | MCI | 16 |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | LIV | 12 |
| Riyad Mahrez | MCI | 8 |
It is not just the challenge from Alexander-Arnold and Mahrez that will motivate De Bruyne to keep providing goals for his team-mates.
He only needs another four assists to equal Henry's Premier League record of 20 in a season in 2002/03.
Since then, Mesut Ozil has come closest to matching the Frenchman, creating 19 goals for the Gunners in 2015/16.
There could be chances galore at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, with De Bruyne and Ozil set to go head-to-head.
Also in this series
Part 1: Vardy leading the way in race for Golden Boot
Part 2: Pope at No 1 in race for Golden Glove
