Retro Playmakers: The Premier League's Top Five Assist Kings Before Awards Were Cool

Picture this: the Premier League Playmaker award has been dazzling us for just nine seasons. But rewind to 1992, when the Prem kicked off, and there were creators pulling strings without a trophy in sight. We're talking strikers who poached penalties and laid them on, wingers crossing like lasers, and even a midfielder keeping a sinking ship afloat with his vision.

These lads topped the assist charts in their campaigns, often in surprising circumstances. One even did it while his team tumbled out of the top flight. Grab your nostalgia goggles – here's our top five retro playmakers who deserve a made-up medal.

Goal Machines Who Could Pick a Pass

Start with Andy Cole at Newcastle United in 1993/94. King Kev's Magpies stormed back to the top table, and Cole wasn't just banging in 34 goals for the Golden Boot – he notched 13 assists, matching Eric Cantona. No one's topped his combined goal involvements in a single season. Poacher? Sure, but he fed teammates like a proper No. 10.

Fast-forward to 1998/99, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink lit up Leeds United. JFH bagged the Golden Boot share with 18 goals, but his 13 assists tied Dennis Bergkamp's tally. Michael Owen and Dwight Yorke nipped at his heels, but Hasselbaink's eye for a pass had agents rubbing hands together. Leeds cashed in, shipping him to Atletico – classic Prem drama.

Wing Wizards and Trumpet Tunes

Nolberto 'Nobby' Solano edges into our list from Newcastle again, 1999/2000. Matching David Beckham's 15 assists – a haul only Bruno Fernandes has bettered – Solano swung in crosses from the right like a Scouser born. Becks nabbed three hypothetical awards, but Nobby nearly gatecrashed another the next year. Bonus: the bloke could play trumpet. Take that, Golden Balls.

Jump to 2010/11, Manchester United's record 19th title romp. Nani dazzled with 14 assists, earning Players' Player of the Year and a PFA Team of the Year nod. Flaky? Emotional? Maybe, but that season he was electric. We'll forgive the home statue – consistency's overrated anyway.

The Relegation Rebel

Topping the lot for sheer grit: Muzzy Izzet at Leicester City, 2003/04. The Turkish midfielder racked up 14 assists – 30% of the Foxes' goals – in a side that won just six games and got relegated. Arsenal's Invincibles spread the love, but Paolo Di Canio and Brett Emerton trailed Izzet's haul. Underrated gem who deserved better than Championship yo-yo.

Why These Legends Matter

These five – Cole, Hasselbaink, Solano, Izzet, Nani – highlight the Prem's early chaos. Strikers creating? Check. Relegated sides' MVPs? Double check. The Playmaker award might be modern, but football's always rewarded the quiet architects. Next time you moan about overpaid passers, raise a glass to these pioneers. Who's your retro pick? Drop it in the comments.

(Inspired by sharp digs from Football365)