Mesut Ozil on course to break Premier League assists record
By Peter Smith
Last Updated: 12/02/16 6:47am
Mesut Ozil is on course to break Thierry Henry's Premier League record for assists.
The Arsenal midfielder has 16 assists to his name so far this season in just 23 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, six more than nearest challenger, Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez.
The German is now only four behind the record held by Thierry Henry, with 13 league matches left this season in which to surpass the 20 assists recorded by the former Arsenal forward in 2002/03.
Most Premier League assists
| Player | Assists | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Thierry Henry | 20 | 2002/03 |
| Cesc Fabregas | 18 | 2014/15 |
| Frank Lampard | 18 | 2004/05 |
| Cesc Fabregas | 17 | 2007/08 |
| Eric Cantona | 16 | 1992/93 |
| Mesut Ozil | 16 | 2015/16* |
| Steve McManaman | 15 | 1995/96 |
| Matt Le Tissier | 15 | 1994/95 |
| Robert Pires | 15 | 2001/02 |
| Nolberto Solano | 15 | 1999/00 |
| David Beckham | 15 | 1999/00 |
| David Silva | 15 | 2011/12 |
However, the case of Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas last season suggests it won't necessarily be straightforward for Ozil to break the record.
The Spanish midfielder had 15 Premier League assists to his name in the first half of 2014/15, but he managed just three more after New Year's Day to finish two short of Henry's record mark.
Most Premier League assists 2015/16
| Player | Assists |
|---|---|
| Mesut Ozil | 16 |
| Riyad Mahrez | 10 |
| Kevin de Bruyne | 9 |
| Christian Eriksen | 8 |
| David Silva | 8 |
| Gerard Deulofeu | 8 |
| Wes Hoolahan | 7 |
| Ross Barkley | 7 |
Mahrez is followed by Kevin De Bruyne on nine assists, followed by Christian Eriksen, David Silva and Gerard Deulofeu on eight.
Norwich City's Wes Hoolahan and Everton's Ross Barkley have seven assists so far this term.