The last 5 years in the Premier League have witnessed the a duopoly between Manchester City and Liverpool. Sure, the stats might be tilted towards Pep Guardiola, but we can’t deny the savored rivalry between Klopp and Guardiola.
Now, even if the most layman of the game is asked to name the best player from each team, two names are bound to be in their response: Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah.
And rightly so. They have been the most influential players in their squads and the crucial puzzle pieces in their respective teams. But who is ahead in the race in the Premier League?
Salah has a higher numerical output
Since joining the Merseyside team in 2017, Liverpool’s attacking lineup has become synonymous with Mohamed Salah. At the end of the day, what every manager expects from their forward is goal contributions on the pitch, and Salah is leading the race in that. Supporters of the Egyptian forward have taken to X.com to put forth statistical numbers to add weight to their arguments.
When it comes to comparing the goal tallies, the Egyptian king is the clear favorite with 153 goals in 251 appearances. On the other hand, the City midfielder is far behind with only 65 goals in 240 games. Comparing the stats of the previous 2022/23 season, Salah has recorded a statistic of 0.53 goals per 90 minutes, as opposed to De Bruyne’s 0.26 goals per 90. In fact, more than double.
However, when it comes to assist numbers, Kevin De Bruyne is unsurprisingly ahead. While the winger has 72 assists in his tenure, De Bruyne has registered 106 assists.
Last season, Salah scored 239 points in 38 appearances, while De Bruyne scored 183 points in 32 appearances. Also, if we look at the head-to-head point difference over the last few years, it is actually the Egyptian forward who consistently had the upper hand.
Kevin De Bruyne has more influence on the pitch
Despite his lack of game time this season, De Bruyne has still produced more assists than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues since the start of last season. If compared, for the 2022/23 season, the midfielder has registered 0.59 assists per 90, as compared to 0.33 assists from Salah.
It’s KDB and it’s not even close. Salah is just G/A and vibes. Can’t influence a game whatsoever
— Lesley (@cfcIesIey) January 15, 2024
The role of KDB becomes a bit more influential when stringing the attacking pattern. He can create the scoring opportunity alone out of thin air.
On the other hand, without his support system, Salah struggles a bit to find his mojo. And rightly so, Liverpool couldn’t finish in the top four last season after the departure of Mane and Firmino, whereas Manchester City lifted the Premier League title without a proper striker in 2021/22.
Salah is more crucial to Liverpool’s dynamics
But when comparing influence, one thing that should be taken into consideration is how the team performs without their main man.
In this regard, Manchester City has better options when replacing Kevin De Bruyne’s absence. Sure, they will suffer, but the squad depth of Pep Guardiola is competent enough to deal with his absence.
The same can’t be said for Klopp’s team. Liverpool has no alternative answer for Salah’s magic and his absence would bring in a goal drought for the Merseyside up front, making him the pivotal player in the team.
Liverpool fans have themselves admitted that if it were not for Salah, maybe they would not even have had the chance of qualifying for the Champions League, let alone winning it.
Kevin De Bruyne has a more enriched trophy cabinet
The biggest validation for a good performance is the trophy-laden cabinet, and the duo are not short of it but the midfielder is slightly ahead.
Speaking of individual achievements, De Bruyne is a two-time Premier League Player of the Season, winning in 2019/20 and 2021/22. He has also won three Footballer of the Year awards and two Player of the Year awards. Additionally, he has won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year for the 2019/20 season and has been named the TM-Player of the Season twice. He also holds the record of third highest assist provider in the League’s history.
It is interesting to note that the general consensus on Twitter has been more inclined towards the midfielder when it comes to individual achievements. But we can’t overlook the fact that Salah’s personal rewards are no less.
Salah has won the Premier League Golden Boot in the seasons 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2021/22. He was named Premier League Player of the Season for the 2017/18 campaign. Additionally, he achieved the title of Premier League Playmaker in the 2021/22 season. Furthermore, Salah has been honored with the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award on two occasions.
But when it comes to collective trophies with the team, KDB wins that battle for sure.
I'll leave it here pic.twitter.com/MaakXkgepB
— Oily (@DivineDDT) January 15, 2024
De Bruyne has won the UEFA Champions League, five Premier League titles, five League Cups, and two FA Cups with Manchester City. On the other hand, Salah has won medals in the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, Emirates FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Carabao Cup, and FA Community Shield.
Conclusion
Don’t let recency bias get the better of you. At the end of the day, comparing De Bruyne and Salah is like comparing apples to oranges. They are completely different profiles with entirely different skills. Neither can De Bruyne replicate Salah’s clinical ability in the opposition box and his instinct for goals, nor can Salah replicate De Bruyne’s eye for finding the free man on the pitch.
We can make comparisons all day long, but in the end, there can be no question about their influence for their respective teams. So, the sensible thing right here would be to set aside the comparisons and enjoy them while we still can.