Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has emerged as one of the standout creative forces in Europe’s top football leagues this season, ranking among the continent’s most productive playmakers in terms of open-play chances created during the 2024/25 campaign.
According to statistics compiled by Squawka, Iwobi has generated 58 open-play chances, placing him 10th among all players in Europe’s top five leagues — the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. This remarkable achievement situates the Super Eagles midfielder alongside world-renowned talents and confirms his steady evolution into one of the Premier League’s most consistent creative outlets.
Salah, Olise Lead the Pack
At the top of the list is Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool talisman, who has crafted an astonishing 82 open-play chances for teammates, underlining his dual threat as both scorer and provider. Michael Olise, recently transferred to Bayern Munich, has proven his worth with 72 chances created, earning second place in the rankings.
Rounding out the top three is Cole Palmer of Chelsea, whose breakout season continues with 69 open-play chances. Meanwhile, Barcelona has shown its creative depth with three players — Raphinha (66), Pedri (63), and Lamine Yamal (59) — all securing places in the top ten, demonstrating the club’s blend of experience and youthful exuberance in their title-winning campaign.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United also features with 59 open-play chances, just ahead of Iwobi and Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham Hotspur, who share 10th place with 58 each.
Iwobi Stands Out Among Mid-Table Peers
What makes Iwobi’s feat particularly impressive is that unlike most of the other players on the list who represent Champions League-bound or title-contending clubs, he has accomplished this within a Fulham squad currently sitting 11th in the Premier League. Despite operating outside the traditional “big six,” the 27-year-old Nigerian has matched the creative outputs of Europe’s elite.
In 36 league appearances, Iwobi has delivered 15 goal contributions, consisting of 9 goals and 6 assists — making this his most productive season in England’s top flight to date. In addition to his open-play creativity, he has created 12 big chances, delivered 124 crosses, and completed 1,330 passes, underscoring his integral role in Fulham’s attacking buildup and transitions.
Bright Spark in a Fluctuating Campaign
While Fulham’s campaign has been marred by inconsistency — including a 3–1 defeat to Everton over the weekend that marked their fourth loss in five matches — Iwobi has remained a reliable performer and one of the few constants in the squad’s fluctuating form.
The defeat to Everton dealt a significant blow to Fulham’s slim hopes of securing European qualification, leaving them with only two matches to salvage a strong finish. The Cottagers now sit 11th, four points behind eighth-placed Brentford, whom they face in a critical London derby next.
Reacting after the Everton loss, Iwobi expressed his disappointment and stressed the importance of finishing the season on a high note.
“We had a few chances to put away in the first half, which we didn’t capitalise on, and obviously we’re disappointed to concede from set pieces yet again,” he said.
“We’ve been getting points against strong sides, but it’s games like these where we need to get the points that we haven’t been able to.”
Upcoming Fixtures and Final Push
Fulham’s upcoming match against Brentford represents a potential turning point. A win could close the gap and reignite hopes of climbing into the top ten. However, their final fixture — a daunting clash at home against Manchester City on May 18 — poses a formidable challenge. City, in pursuit of yet another league title, will offer no respite.
Iwobi’s form and influence could be decisive in both encounters, particularly against a Brentford side also vying for a strong season finish. Should he maintain his creative momentum, he could surpass his current numbers and finish the campaign with even greater impact.
Recognition Long Overdue
Iwobi’s performances this season have not only silenced critics but also validated his status as a key figure for both club and country. Often overshadowed by his more high-profile contemporaries, the former Arsenal player has steadily refined his game, evolving into a well-rounded attacking midfielder capable of linking play, creating space, and delivering decisive passes under pressure.
While his flair and vision have often earned praise in Nigeria, this season marks the first time he has broken into continental statistical leaderboards, putting him in conversations typically reserved for players at Europe’s top clubs.
A Creative Force for the Super Eagles
His stellar club form bodes well for the Super Eagles, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the next African Cup of Nations cycle. Iwobi’s ability to dictate tempo and unlock defenses from midfield could prove vital in Nigeria’s pursuit of continental and global success.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of Fulham’s final league position, Alex Iwobi’s inclusion in Europe’s top 10 creators is a milestone achievement that reflects his persistence, growth, and technical brilliance. With his peak years still ahead, this season may be remembered as the one where Iwobi fully transitioned from promising talent to elite-level playmaker.
If he continues on this trajectory, more accolades — and possibly a return to a top-tier club — may not be far off.
