Liverpool’s passing stats this season: Sakho superb all-round, surprising Milner discovery

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With Liverpool not playing again until after the international break, we thought it a good time to delve into some of the stats which have defined our performances this season.

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Here, we’re looking at Liverpool’s Average passes per game, Pass completion %, Accurate long-balls per game key passes per game.

Average passes per game:

 

There was a time when midfielders only would dominate these lists, but not now – when defenders are charged with keeping the ball as much as those in front of them. Sakho plays the most passes per game, at least ten more than his nearest defensive counterpart. Three regular stalwarts of the central midfield berth Can, Henderson and Lucas are all close to each other behind him.

Pass completion %:

 

Sakho’s spot at the top of this list is the more impressive considering he regularly aims his passes forwards, unlike other centre-backs with strong pass completion ratios who play sideways and backwards. Interestingly Joe Allen’s the highest ranked midfielder, which perhaps again shows he’s not had the opportunities he’s deserved this term under either manager.

Accurate long-balls per game:

 

Naturally the keepers are included, but Henderson’s the primary outfield player averaging nearly five every game. He’s actually been criticised for attempting too many this term, but he does have the range. Again, Sakho features – proving the Frenchman’s ability with the ball at his feet.

Key passes per game:

 

This statistic is maybe the most important, and interestingly, sees ‘workhorse’ Milner ahead of the Brazilians Coutinho and Firmino. Moreno swings in balls from the left but the fact he’s only contributed one assist shows his key passes are less crucial than the other players in this list. Milner has been used on the wing under Klopp primarily, and actually provides more end product than he’s given credit for in attacking positions.

More Stories Emre Can James Milner Mamadou Sakho