How accurate is this list in reality?
Football statistics of course only tell part of a very long and complicated story…
But they’re interesting to look into nonetheless, especially when comparing from within our own squad.
WhoScored are a football stats website which ranks and rates players on their overall contribution to matches both offensively and defensively – scoring a footballer /10 for their individual performance.
Over the season, here’s our top 10 performers, based on performance score averages…
(All stats used are via WhoScored.)
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10) Dejan Lovren – 6.92
Based on the perception of his performances this term, the Croat has done very well to make this list, even if he’s only just scraped into the top 10… Only Martin Skrtel has won more aerial duels than Lovren (3.3) per match, and the £20m signing is again only behind the Slovakian in terms of clearances (8.3), too. His 85.4% pass completion though is poor for a centre-back in a passing side.
9) Adam Lallana – 7.00
A modest return of four goals and three assists sees our 2nd most expensive ever signing come in 9th place – so far. Injuries have stunted his progression, and Lallana’s certainly shown glimpses of his undeniable ability this term, although being asked to play a variety of positions has affected his consistency.
8) Daniel Sturridge – 7.01
No first-team player has been affected by injuries like Sturridge, who notched 21 goals in the top flight last term, but only four this time around to date. It’s not for the want of trying though, with the forward averaging 3.3 shots per game – only bettered by Mario Balotelli (3.5) who is only the 19th highest rated player in the squad.
7) Mamadou Sakho – 7.08
The most boring, uneducated assumption in football is that our Frenchman is awkward on the ball, and a poor passer. His 89.5% pass completion proves it’s rubbish. He’s out for a month with a hamstring issue, so let’s hope he’s back to contribute before the end of the campaign.
6) Emre Can – 7.14
The only surprise perhaps is that the young German isn’t ranked higher, with Can enjoying a tremendous run in the side as part of the back-three during the middle part of the season. From this position he completed 0.7 dribbles per match (better than any defender), and 2.4 tackles per game – only bettered by Javier Manquillo and Lucas.
5) Lucas Leiva – 7.16
The best tackler (4.1 per match) in the squad, Lucas has been quietly efficient throughout the campaign. He’s also made 1.7 interceptions per match, and has the second best pass completion ratio behind of the midfielders behind Joe Allen with 86.4%.
4) Jordan Henderson – 7.22
Henderson’s acted as captain for much of this season because of Steven Gerrard’s absence through injury and suspension. From midfield (and occasionally wing-back) he’s scored an impressive six goals and registered seven league assists, and we’re surprised he’s only in 4th place as a result.
3) Coutinho – 7.28
Voted by John Terry as the Premier League Player of the Season (via Sky Sports), Coutinho’s statistics do not arguably match some of the plaudits his play has earned this season. Four goals and four assists (albeit beautiful ones) are not befitting of a player with his ability – nor is his 1.5 key passes per match.
2) Martin Skrtel – 7.35
Statistically, Skrtel’s been far and away Liverpool’s best defender this season, and has made it to 2nd in this list as a result. Per match, he’s averaged the most blocks (1.3), the most clearances (10.1), has won the most offsides (0.6) and is second behind Manquillo in the interceptions list with 1.9 per game. We badly missed him at the Emirates last weekend.
1) Raheem Sterling – 7.35
WhoScored rate Sterling above Skrtel on goals scored, despite the fact the pair share the same 7.35 rating. The 20-year-old has played on the wings, up top centrally and as a wing-back, too – notching six goals and registering seven assists – identical stats as his vice-captain Henderson. Creatively, Sterling also leads the way, playing 2.1 key passes per game, and completing 3.1 dribblers per match too – both squad highs.
