Opening up the opposition defence is not always easy. It takes a special type of player to open up an opposition defence. It’s about more than just pace or dribbling abilities, it’s about having the intelligence to see the openings that others can’t and having the flawless passing technique to exploit the tiny gaps in the opposition’s defense.

For obvious reasons, we call these players the playmakers, and below you’ll find the 10 best playmakers in world football today.

Here are the 10 best playmakers in world football right now.

10. Antoine Griezman

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Griezman hasn’t exactly hit the ground running at the Camp Nou as Barcelona attempts to balance out a star-studded attack, but there’s no question that the France international remains a top-class forward as well as one of the best playmakers in world football.

Technically gifted and adept at both creating and converting chances, Griezmann also possesses an admirable work ethic, which is why he was such a success under Diego Simeone. Having helped his country win the World Cup last year, the 28-year-old look set to be France’s main man at summer’s European Championship too.

9. David Silva

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A Manchester City mainstay since his arrival in the Premier League nine years ago, Silva won his fourth Premier League title after another excellent individual season in 2018/19. Capable of playing on the right, as a No.10 or in the slightly deeper midfield role he’s been used in by Pep Guardiola, the Spanish schemer is a master at running games and finding spaces that, to mere mortals, seemingly don’t exist.

Silva’s decision-making is almost flawless, and his tremendous technique means he’s invariably able to execute those ideas. He’s even begun to add more goals to his game in the last couple of years, becoming an even more rounded player at the age of 33.

8. Christian Eriksen

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Eriksen has been one of the world’s leading playmakers for some years now and he has been on top of his game again this season. The Danish midfield maestro had shouldered the creative responsibility for the Lillywhites.

Playing alongside Dele Alli in the number 10 role, Eriksen had been creating chances for fun. The Danish midfielder is a gifted player on the ball and his set piece ability makes him even more dangerous.

Undoubtedly, one of the best playmakers in world football, Eriksen joined Inter Milan in the winter of 2020. He will hope to perform the same for them as well.

7. Frankie De Jong

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De Jong first came to the attention of a wider audience when clips of him vacating his centre-back position and fearlessly dribbling the ball upfield began to circulate online. The Dutchman was soon moved into his more natural midfield role by Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, just in time for the youngster to inspire the team to Eredivisie glory and a remarkable run to the Champions League semi-finals last term.

De Jong’s exceptional displays in 2018/19 earned him a summer switch to Barcelona, where he’s immediately made his mark. A terrific passer and intelligent mover, the 22-year-old’s standout attribute is his ability to beat the opposition press with some fancy footwork or a quick drop of the shoulder.

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