WhoScored 2020 Rewind: Calhanoglu one of Europe's top creative midfielders
So far in our rundown of Europe's best players from 2020 we have focused on more defensive-minded players but that is all about to change.
From here on out it's time to celebrate those that prefer attack over defence, starting with the best No.10s in world football from the last calendar year.
As ever, you will have the chance to have your say on our ultimate XI! Check out our Twitter account to ensure you cast your votes for each position.
🗳 Have your say on the best attacking midfielder in Europe from 2020!
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 6, 2021
⏳ You have two hours to cast your vote!
4) Hakan Calhanoglu (AC Milan) - 7.46 rating
AC Milan have transformed into genuine title challengers over the past 12 months, in which time we have seen the very best of Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey international registered 99 key passes in Serie A in 2020, a feat only bettered by one player all of Europe's top five leagues. Moreover, Calhanoglu was the set-piece king in 2020 with the most chances created from deadball situations (43) than any other player. Finally, Calhanoglu finished the calendar year with 22 goals and assists in 33 league appearances for Milan.
3) Papu Gomez (Atalanta) 7.49 rating
It would be a great shame if Papu Gomez's time at Atalanta comes to an end in the fashion it currently is, as the 32-year-old has been one of Serie A's best for some time now. Despite dropping out of favour towards the end of last year, Gomez still managed a direct hand in 18 goals in 30 league appearances in 2020.
2) Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) - 7.56 rating
Thomas Muller rediscovered his very best form in 2020 just as it seemed like the Bayern Munich stalwart was on the way out. The former Germany international finished the year with more assists than any other player in Europe's top five leagues (17), as Bayern collected every piece of silverware on offer. Moreover, of players that started at least 20 matches no player in Muller's position required fewer minutes per big chance created (every 106 minutes).
1) Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) - 7.68 rating
You really cannot understate the impact made by Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United following his move last January. Not just a constant source of goals and assists but a serial winner, as shown whether United win, draw or lose. The 26-year-old remarkably played a direct hand in 32 goals in 29 appearances for United in 2020. In fact, only three strikers and Leo Messi managed more than the United star. Moreover, Fernandes registered the second most accurate through balls (10) in Europe's top five leagues in 2020.
Players of the Year: GKs, RBs, LBs, CBs, CMs
