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Bruno Fernandes Nears PL Assist Record, PFA Favorite

5/9/2026

Summary

Bruno Fernandes Approaches Record

Bruno Fernandes is one assist shy of the Premier League record of 20 set by Thierry Henry and matched by Kevin De Bruyne.
He leads the assists chart with 19, eight ahead of Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki.
He is the favourite for the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Players' Player of the Year award.
He will be a key member of Portugal’s World Cup squad this summer.

Summary

Bruno Fernandes Playmaking

Bruno Fernandes recorded more chipped passes than any other Premier League player this season.
Fernandes attempted roughly 50 % more through-balls than any league peer, according to data.
All four assists to Benjamin Sesko came from inventive passes that created his runs.
A dummy pass to Calvin Bassey set up Sesko’s stoppage-time winner against Fulham, while a first-time through-ball to Matheus Cunha unlocked Manchester United’s winning goal over Aston Villa.

History

Historical Context

In 2002-03 Thierry Henry posted a league-leading 20 assists, the first Premier League player to combine 20 goals with 20 assists. That benchmark was later matched by Kevin De Bruyne, cementing the value of creative midfielders and prompting clubs in the 2020s across Europe and the Premier League to prioritize playmakers in tactics and award discussions.

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Bruno Fernandes Approaches Record

Bruno Fernandes is one assist shy of the Premier League record of 20 set by Thierry Henry and matched by Kevin De Bruyne.
He leads the assists chart with 19, eight ahead of Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki.
He is the favourite for the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Players' Player of the Year award.
He will be a key member of Portugal’s World Cup squad this summer.

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