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De Bruyne delivers a first as he targets assist record

24 Jan 2020
Kevin De Bruyne

Man City midfielder has made Premier League history after setting up his 15th goal of the season in midweek win over Sheffield United

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When Kevin De Bruyne set up Sergio Aguero for the winner at Sheffield United on Tuesday night, he wrote his name into the Premier League record books.

The Manchester City playmaker's low cross was finished off by the Argentinian to earn a 1-0 victory at Bramall Lane, giving De Bruyne his 15th assist of the season.

It makes him the first player in Premier League history to provide at least 15 assists in three different campaigns, after his tallies of 16 in 2017/18 and 18 in 2016/17.

Top of the chart

De Bruyne has maintained his lead in the race for the Playmaker of the Season award, which is given to the player who sets up the most goals each season.

He remains five ahead of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who set up a goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday.

Indeed, the Belgian has already equalled the winning total from last term, when Eden Hazard won the prize with 15 assists for Chelsea.

The previous season, in 2017/18, De Bruyne won the inaugural Playmaker award with 16 assists, so he needs only one more to match that tally.

Henry's mark in sight

With three more assists, De Bruyne would equal the third-highest total for Premier League assists in a season.

Frank Lampard set up 18 goals for Chelsea in 2004/05, and Cesc Fabregas matched that feat 10 seasons later.

Mesut Ozil then exceeded that number with 19 for Arsenal in 2015/16.

De Bruyne is on course to overtake all of those tallies and ultimately beat Thierry Henry's Premier League record of 20 assists for the Gunners in 2002/03.

At this stage of the campaign, after 24 matches, the Frenchman had only created 10 goals.

If De Bruyne maintains his current rate of 0.65 assists per appearance, he would reach 24.

De Bruyne assists line chart after Sheff Utd

Next up for Man City in the Premier League is a trip to Tottenham Hotspur and De Bruyne thrived in the reverse fixture.

He provided the assists for both of his side's goals in August's 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

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