Federico Higuain - arguably the most consistent player in Columbus Crew SC history - has been lauded for his creative tendencies since joining the club in 2012, when he was named Major League Soccer's Newcomer of the Year.
Since then, Crew SC fans have come to witness the day-in, day-out reliability from the No. 10 playmaker, and it's no surprise that the central attacking midfielder, known for his patience on the ball and ability to seep through defensive lines, holds the unofficial title of the League's most creative player.
Since his debut in Columbus on August 19, 2012, no other MLS player has created more goal-scoring chances in regular-season play than the Argentine midfielder. At 496, Higuain stands 64 chances ahead of the next-closest player - fellow Argentine Diego Valeri of the Portland Timbers - while his 52 goals mark the third-most in MLS among active midfielders, led by Valeri's 64 and 56 from the Montreal Impact's Ignacio Piatti, another Argentine professional.
Notably, Higuain, who earlier this season became the 19th player in League history and the first player in club history to tally 50 career goals and 50 career assists, stands as one of only three midfielders this season to rank top-seven in assists (5) and chances created, according to Opta.
Additionally, including playoff figures, Higuain's 524 goal-scoring chances (including assists) are 116 more than the next closest player in Sporting Kansas City's Graham Zusi, according to Opta.
With a contract extension through the 2019 season, age has proven no barrier for the 33-year-old Designated Player, who, among ranking in the League's top 10 for midfielders in passes into the final third and chances created in open play, holds the top spot league-wide for midfielders in chances created (69) and chances created from set pieces (29).
Higuain, who subbed on in the 62nd minute against the LA Galaxy last weekend, has made 168 total appearances for Crew SC.
This weekend, Columbus ventures to New York City FC on Saturday, July 14 for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff time at Yankee Stadium.
