Player Comparison : 2019/20

Mane vs Salah: Who were most pivotal in Liverpool's title win?

Sadio Mane 

Sadio Mane won PFA Fans' Player of the season, he won it by a massive margin. Between him and De Bruyne difference was 14 percent. Near about the same amount third place Alexander-Arnold got(17 percent). He played a massive part in Liverpool's title win, He contributed 18 goals and 7 assists as they bulldozed their way to 1st title in 30 years. His goals won Liverpool 18 points before the pandemic. Whenever Liverpool needed a hero, Mane delivered through -- Be it his header against Aston Villa or his winner at Norwich. His statistics may be less impressive than Salah's on paper, but he was the driving force behind their charge for a title. He was a standout performer overall, whether it was consistency, importance, character, or work rate. His all-round game was superior to his counterpart. He tormented defense from the left side. Despite playing 131 minutes less than the Egyptian, He ended the season with one less goal. His overall contribution is phenomenal, he won 32 tackles to 6 of Salah's. He created 10 big chances. He directly contributed to 29 percent of Liverpool's goal in 2019/20. He has been one of the most influential attacking players in 2019/20.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has topped the goal-scoring chart for Liverpool, Since his debut. No Liverpool player has been involved in more goals Since the Egyptians made his debut. In 108 appearances he has been involved in 101 goals ( 73 goals and 28 assists). He is the first-ever Liverpool player to record double digits for both goals and assists in two different seasons (2017/18 & 2019/20). He scored 19 goals and gave out 10 assists, yet people tell it has been a disappointing season for Salah. Standards have been set high for Salah due to his previous exploits. He was in the hunt for a third consecutive golden boot. There is plenty of brilliance among these goals and assists. Some incentive play, bemusing dribbling, one-touch play, all are in the lockers. If Liverpool scores one of those goals that defines them -- the free-flowing one, lighting quick moves on the counter, or to break down a low block, Salah is usually involved. Despite all those brilliance, he can underwhelm for periods, running into troubles, or making the wrong decision. On numerous occasions, he shoots when the best option would to be pass it to his teammates. He has created a total of 13 big chances this season only Alexander-Arnold(18) has created more in this team. His 2017/18 campaign was extraordinary, almost Messi level, and marked him out as one of the best players in the world. A drop in output was expected, but even in a team that is defined by the collective rather than the individual, Salah’s output still stands out even if his performances sometimes don’t. Salah was involved in 34 percent of Liverpool's goal significantly higher than his counterpart.

Verdict 

No wonder they both had outstanding campaigns in their own ways. But Mane's overall contribution has been more important to Liverpool, Then those of Salah's. Despite the statistics favoring the Egyptians, It's Senegalese who has come to Liverpool's rescue this season.  Mane was more pivotal than Salah in this year's title run in for Liverpool.