Kevin de Bruyne dethrones Arsenal star Mesut Ozil as Premier League assist king after setting up 50 goals for Man City
KEVIN DE BRUYNE has dethroned Arsenal star Mesut Ozil as the official Premier League assist king, after becoming the fastest player to register 50 assists.
The Belgian reached the milestone for Manchester City when he set up Sergio Aguero's opener against Bournemouth on route to a 3-1 win.
The 26-year-old has taken just 123 games to be crowned the Prem's most prolific creator, smashing the record previously held by Ozil.
It would take another 18 league games for the ex-Germany international to hit the half-century, which he did so in a 3-0 win over Watford back in March 2018.
Despite losing his title, Ozil still holds the record for most consecutive assists after laying off a goal in seven matches for the Gunners in 2015.
Eric Cantona, who had held de Bruyne's new title for decades after making it 50 in 143 appearances for Leeds and Manchester United during the 1990s, has now seen his tally beaten twice in two years.
In total, 36 players have reached the milestone. Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp was the fourth-quickest, achieving the feat in his 146th appearance.
Former Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas then made it in 165 outings during spells at both the north London club, and rivals Chelsea.
Meanwhile, de Bruyne's stunning showings has knocked teammate David Silva (166) out of the top five, but the Spaniard is still ahead of England icon David Beckham (170).
Ashley Young (192) is the only other current player in the top 10, behind both Thierry Henry (174) and Nolberto Solano (178).
De Bruyne's achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that injury problems meant he went almost a year without a Prem assist.
The Belgium international spent a large chunk of City's season on the sidelines last year, but has already set up four goals in the first three games this term.
The midfield maestro still has some way to go if he is to become the Premier League's all-times assist-maker, with Ryan Giggs holding that honour with 162 key passes.
But provided he stays fit, he will be well within reach of claiming Henry's assist record in a single season, after falling two shy of the 20-strike benchmark in 2017.