Top 10 players creating major chances from open play last season: The top 3 are all right wingers, with Manchester City's new signing ranked 5th.

Creating chances from open play is essential for top clubs in the five major leagues. According to data from Squawka, which tracked the number of major chances created by players last season in these leagues, the top ten list shows that the top three are right wingers: Yamal, Salah, and Olise lead the rankings, with Manchester City's newcomer Shelkey in fifth place.

Top 10 players creating major chances from open play in the 2024-25 season across the five major leagues:

• 1st: Yamal, 28 times.
• 2nd: Salah, 26 times.
• 3rd: Olise, 25 times.
• 4th: Raphinha, 22 times.
• 5th: Shelkey, 19 times.
• 6th: Barcola, 18 times.
• 7th: Ismella-Sarr, 17 times.
• Tied 7th: Palmer, 17 times.
• 9th: Doue, 16 times.
• Tied 9th: Brandt, 16 times.

Both the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 have 18 teams, meaning their seasons have four fewer matches compared to the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. Therefore, Olise’s numbers are quite impressive. With De Bruyne gone, Guardiola needs to rely more on Shelkey to boost the team's offensive creativity. Haaland is a striker who thrives on service and counterattacks but is less suited for tight, physical battles due to his lack of back-to-goal play and aerial ability. Activating Shelkey is the only way to enhance Manchester City's chance creation in these challenging scenarios. Otherwise, this season could be tough for City; perhaps Guardiola is better suited to a strikerless system rather than putting all faith in Haaland.