Why Liverpool’s top scorer remains a level above the competition | OneFootball

Salah’s Numbers Show Why Liverpool’s Star Remains a Cut Above

Mohamed Salah has been the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack for years, but even now, his numbers continue to astonish. The Egyptian forward delivered another game-changing performance in Liverpool’s recent victory, and as highlighted by Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter on the Stat Me Up podcast for Anfield Index, the statistics tell their own story.

Salah’s Influence Measured in Numbers

It is easy to watch Salah and admire his brilliance, but breaking down his numbers puts his influence into perspective. “Salah had 7.4% of our on-ball time, 9% of our possession, which isn’t a lot,” Barter pointed out, highlighting that even with limited time on the ball, his impact was undeniable.

His efficiency in front of goal is what sets him apart. “That goal wasn’t even a half-chance,” Davis noted. “He just bends it into the far corner.” The shot in question had an xG of just 0.05 (5%), but Salah turned it into a post-shot xG of 0.72 (72%), an extraordinary conversion that underscores his elite finishing ability.

Photo: IMAGO

Even beyond scoring, his all-round game was impressive. “He had an 81% pass rate,” Barter said. “For his position, that’s really good.” Salah was also involved in 10 progressive passes, a stat usually more associated with playmakers rather than goalscorers. His role isn’t just about finishing moves—he is increasingly involved in building them as well.

Penalty Box Mastery and Intelligent Decision-Making

Salah’s movement remains as devastating as ever. “Penalty box touches for him were 11, which is really good for him,” Barter highlighted. Despite defenders constantly marking him, he continues to find space in key areas.

What makes him even more difficult to play against is his decision-making. “He was looking after the ball,” Barter noted. “Because he was aware that the counter down that left side was extremely dangerous.” Salah recognises when to attack and when to keep possession, adding a level of intelligence to his game that only the best forwards possess.

Photo: IMAGO

Davis put it simply: “He’s just a different level.” The balance between carrying and passing the ball makes Salah unpredictable, and as Barter confirmed, “45% duel success for a forward is really high.” His ability to compete physically while remaining technically sharp is what separates him from many of his peers.

The Salah Standard: A Different Level

With so many impressive performances across the pitch, it would have been easy to look elsewhere for Liverpool’s standout player. But as Davis admitted, “Normally we try and pick someone else, but this time, there’s no argument.” Salah topped six out of seven key metrics for his position, leaving no doubt about his influence.

Liverpool’s success this season will hinge on its elite players stepping up in key moments. Davis summed it up perfectly: “If everyone else is a six or a seven, but your elite three—Ali, VVD, Mo—put in an eight or a nine, you win games.” Salah remains Liverpool’s difference-maker, and the numbers prove it time and again.