Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah have both been in scintillating form since the 2023-24 season. While Salah remains one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, Palmer has quickly made a name for himself with impressive statistics in his first year at Chelsea.
The Manchester City academy graduate had a debut season to remember as he scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists for Chelsea across all competitions.
While plenty of people regard Palmer as the best Premier League player right now, others think that title still very much belongs to Liverpool’s Salah.
Let’s compare their records side-by-side and analyze their contributions.
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Goals and Assists: A Tight Race
Both players have had a significant impact on the scoresheet. Mo Salah has played 65 games, scoring 40 goals and providing 26 assists, totaling 66 goal contributions. In comparison, Palmer has featured in 62 matches, scoring 36 goals and assisting 21 times, amounting to 57 goal contributions.
Despite fewer goals than Salah, Palmer has been extremely efficient in front of goal, with a goal every 137.9 minutes, compared to Salah’s slightly quicker rate of one every 120.9 minutes. Palmer’s goal tally is also impressive, considering he’s younger and plays in a Chelsea side still finding its rhythm.
Minutes Per Goal and Assist: Palmer Shines
Palmer’s efficiency in contributing to goals and assists stands out when looking at the minutes played. On average, Palmer takes just 87.1 minutes to be involved in a goal or assist, significantly lower than Salah’s 73.3 minutes per contribution. While Salah’s record is outstanding, Palmer’s ability to influence matches in less time suggests his rising star power.
Penalties and Conversion Rate
When it comes to penalties, both players are key contributors. Salah has scored 11 penalties, while Palmer has netted 12. The slight edge in penalty goals goes to Palmer, showcasing his calmness under pressure.
Playmaking and Dribbling: Palmer’s Creativity
Palmer has averaged 2.6 chances created per 90 minutes in the Premier League, slightly ahead of Salah’s 2.2. This indicates Palmer’s strong playmaking abilities, which has been a standout feature of his game. His dribbling is also more effective than Salah’s, with 1.6 successful dribbles per 90 compared to Salah’s 1.2. Palmer’s ability to break defensive lines and create opportunities has been a critical part of his role at Chelsea.
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Conclusion: Two Different Paths, Similar Impact
While both Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah are different players in terms of style and experience, their statistics since 2023-24 showcase how both are incredibly effective in their roles. Palmer, despite being younger and playing in a Chelsea team still evolving, has proven his worth with impressive numbers. Meanwhile, Salah continues to be the reliable, prolific force for Liverpool. Their records highlight two rising stars in world football, each contributing in unique ways to their respective teams’ successes.
