It's not just scorers who deserve praise for their effectiveness in front of goal. Here, we look at the top five assist makers in Europe's top leagues
Although the likes of Harry Kane, Edinson Cavani and Mauro Icardi have emerged as Europe's top goalscorers in the first-half of the 2017-18 season, they cannot take all the glory.
Behind every great finisher is a great provider, after all, and the continent's most prolific sides are well stocked in that area.
And with the European campaigns around the halfway mark, takes a look at those who have proved most effective in setting up their team-mates to score so far in our list of top assist makers across the top five leagues.
Getty1Luis Alberto | Lazio | 6 assists
The Spaniard was instrumental in Lazio's excellent start to the season as he emerged as a consistent creator after playing a limited role for the Serie A side last term.
Alberto has set up six and scored five in 17 Serie A games this term, most of which came during their excellent start to the season. He has proven less effective in recent weeks, which has coincided with a dip in form for the capital club as they dropped to fifth.
AdvertisementGetty2Philippe Coutinho | Liverpool | 6 assists
The Brazilian continues to be linked to a move to Barcelona, but he has remained a productive star for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool throughout the season. Although Mohamed Salah has received most attention for his impressive tally since joining from Roma in the summer, Coutinho is still the star man as he keeps setting up team-mates as well as chipping in with goals of his own.
Coutinho has six assists from the 38 chances he has created in the Premier League in the first half of the season, adding seven strikes too.
Getty3Ivan Perisic | Inter | 6 assists
Despite reports the winger wanted to leave Inter for Manchester United, he has shown he remains committed to the Serie A side since renewing his contract.
They are finally competing with Juventus and Roma this season and the Croatia international has been one of their most productive players. Their second top scorer behind Mauro Icardi, no player has Nerazzurri star has registered more than his six assists in 18 games.
Getty4Dries Mertens | Napoli | 6 assists
Napoli's star man once again this season, as well as their top scorer with 10 goals, he is their number one assist maker this term with six as he spearheads the attack for the Serie A leaders.
It was no surprise when the Belgium international was named among the nominees for this year's Ballon d'Or and he will be pivotal to Maurizio Sarri's side as they fight for pole position with Juventus.