Liverpool’s 2023/24 season is coming to a close, and as fans prepare to bid farewell to Jurgen Klopp after eight-and-a-half years, there is a mix of emotions. While the Reds have secured third place in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup, it’s clear that the squad is still undergoing a rebuilding process. However, according to FourFourTwo’s analysis of the Premier League, Liverpool’s chance creation has been impressive.
When looking at the best chance creators in the Liverpool squad based on expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes played, some familiar names emerge. However, there are also a few surprises. Expected assists (xA) measures the quality of chances created based on the likelihood of the player receiving the pass to score.
At number 10 on the list is Ryan Gravenberch, with 0.15 xA per 90 minutes played. Despite only playing 1,812 minutes, Gravenberch has managed to provide two assists. This shows his ability to create opportunities for his teammates in a relatively short amount of time on the pitch.
Luis Diaz takes the ninth spot with 0.18 xA per 90 minutes played. Diaz has been an important contributor to Liverpool’s attacking play this season, providing five assists in 3,526 minutes of play.
Dominik Szoboszlai follows closely behind with 0.22 xA per 90 minutes played. Despite playing fewer minutes than Diaz, Szoboszlai has managed to provide four assists. His creativity and ability to unlock defenses have been valuable assets for Liverpool.
Harvey Elliott, Cody Gakpo, and Andy Robertson all share the same xA per 90 minutes played at 0.22. Elliott, despite his young age, has been a revelation this season, providing 10 assists in 2,720 minutes of play. Gakpo, on loan from PSV Eindhoven, has also made a significant impact, contributing six assists in 2,937 minutes. Robertson, a mainstay in Liverpool’s squad, has shown his consistency as a chance creator with two assists in 2,103 minutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Robertson with 0.24 xA per 90 minutes played. Known for his attacking prowess from the right-back position, Alexander-Arnold has been instrumental in Liverpool’s attacking play this season. He has provided 10 assists in 2,539 minutes.
In third place is Darwin Nunez with 0.24 xA per 90 minutes played. Nunez has been a revelation for Liverpool, providing 13 assists in 3,010 minutes. His ability to create chances and contribute to the team’s attacking play has been crucial.
Diogo Jota takes the second spot with 0.29 xA per 90 minutes played. Despite playing fewer minutes than most players on the list, Jota has managed to provide four assists in 1,711 minutes. His efficiency in creating scoring opportunities is evident.
Finally, topping the list is Mohamed Salah with a remarkable 0.44 xA per 90 minutes played. Salah has been Liverpool’s most prolific chance creator this season, providing 14 assists in 3,041 minutes. His ability to create high-quality chances for his teammates is unparalleled.
Overall, Liverpool’s chance creators for the 2023/24 campaign have shown their ability to contribute to the team’s attacking play. From established stars like Salah and Alexander-Arnold to emerging talents like Elliott and Gravenberch, Klopp has a wealth of creative options at his disposal. As Liverpool continues its rebuilding process, these chance creators will be vital in shaping the team’s future success.