The A-League Men's competition is full of creative playmakers but which have made Sporting News' top five?
With foreign stars dominating the list, it was a difficult job to select only five playmakers with many quality players missing out.
Join in the conversation on Sporting News Australia's Facebook page with your top five or any changes you would make.
Some of the A-League Men's biggest stars are the most creative 🎨⚽
— Sporting News AU Football (@SNAUFootball) November 17, 2021
Which guns have been ranked in Sporting News Australia's top five playmakers in the league? 👇#ALeagueMen pic.twitter.com/qdYFo25Oji
5. James Troisi (Wanderers)
The oft-maligned Troisi is now a veteran at 33 and is often criticised for his work-rate and perceived wastefulness.
But you can't argue with his assists record, grabbing seven for the Wanderers last season, after picking up eight for Melbourne Victory in 2018-19.
4. Dimi Petratos (Wanderers)
Forming a salivating creative combination with Troisi, Petratos is a metronome, who can create goals both from open play and set pieces.
Petratos has twice had nine-assist seasons in the A-League Men's competition, with Newcastle Jets in 2017-18 and 2019-20.
3. Alessandro Diamanti (Western United)
The Italian has taken the A-League Men's competition by storm over the past couple of seasons, winning the Johnny Warren medal in his first campaign.
Diamanti is now 38 and while his physical capabilities may have diminished slightly, his ability to create chances and score goals is still there.
2. Ulises Davila (Macarthur)
While the Mexican is arguably more of a second striker than a playmaker, he still nailed seven assists as he won the Johnny Warren medal last season.
Now having joined Macarthur, Davila will be hoping to help Sydney's newest team rise up the ladder, alongside fellow new signing Craig Noone.
1. Milos Ninkovic (Sydney FC)
A joint-Johnny Warren medallist alongside Davila last season, Ninkovic has been the star at Sydney FC since joining the club in 2015.
The 36-year-old may not be producing as many goals and assists as he did in his early A-League Men's days, but his ability to dictate tempo and play is unrivalled.
