The record for most goal involvements in a single Premier League season has stood for over two decades. Andy Cole initially set this benchmark with 47 combined goals and assists in the 1993-94 season. Alan Shearer equaled this achievement the following year, during Blackburn Rovers’ title-winning campaign. Both players reached these impressive figures over 42 games, with Shearer playing almost every minute of the season.
Currently, Mohamed Salah is on track to surpass this record potentially in the second half of Liverpool’s home game against West Ham in April, assuming he continues to play regularly. With several games remaining in a season where Liverpool is strongly favored to win the league, Salah’s performance is exceptional.
If Salah maintains his current level of play, this season could be recognized as the best individual season ever witnessed in the Premier League. His performance in the 2023-24 season could rank among the highest achievements, especially if Liverpool succeeds in both domestic and Champions League competitions. While it might not reach the level of Lionel Messi’s 2011-12 season at Barcelona, it is exceptionally close.
In recent English football history, such a dominant individual season is rare. While Harry Kane topped both scoring and assisting charts in 2020-21, Salah’s current season is on another level. Luis Suarez’s 2013-14 season for Liverpool is a notable comparison, though he was ultimately surpassed by Yaya Toure and Manchester City.
Erling Haaland’s prolific scoring last season came close to Shearer and Cole’s records. Despite Haaland’s excellent debut season in Europe, Salah’s current season stands out for both scoring and creating opportunities. The next significant record for Salah to target is Thierry Henry’s 2002-03 season, where he achieved 24 goals and 20 assists. Salah currently has 25 goals and 16 assists with games still to play.
As Arne Slot noted, ‘The numbers speak for themselves,’ highlighting the constant stream of records Salah is breaking. He has already achieved a goal and assist in eleven Premier League games this season, surpassing the previous record of seven. He also became the first player to score and assist in both games against the reigning champions.
Looking ahead, Salah’s potential achievements are extraordinary. At his current assist rate of 0.6 per game, he could exceed Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s joint record of 20 assists, reaching 22 or 23. His current scoring rate projects to just one goal shy of Haaland’s single-season record of 36. If Liverpool secures the league title early, the remaining games might focus on Salah breaking further records.
It’s quite possible that Salah could break both the Premier League scoring and assist records this season.
Even if Salah’s performance slightly decreases as the season concludes, and he performs at his expected metrics, it would still be an exceptional season. Based on expected goals of 0.75 per 90 minutes, he could reach 33 goals, surpassing his previous best for Liverpool. This would exceed the best seasons of Cristiano Ronaldo, Henry, Suarez, Sergio Aguero, and Kane, and be second only to Cole, Shearer, and Haaland.
Assists are less predictable, depending on teammates’ finishing. However, Salah consistently creates opportunities. With an expected assist rate of 0.37 per 90 minutes, he is on track to match De Bruyne and Henry’s assist records.
If the season progresses according to his expected metrics, Salah could finish with 55 goal involvements in the Premier League, potentially surpassing the total goal involvements of Manchester United as a team. A third PFA Player of the Year award would be another significant achievement, making him the first three-time winner. His Ballon d’Or candidacy would also be very strong. Liverpool might even consider extending his contract with another high-value year.
Salah’s exceptional performance this season is undeniable. If he remains fit and continues to play at his established level, he is on track to deliver what could be argued as the greatest individual season in Premier League history. If he maintains his current form, it will be beyond question.
