Liverpool 2021/22: How do Liverpool replace Sadio Mane? – data analysis

In the days leading up to the UEFA Champions League final, rumours surrounding the future of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane began to grow. The Senegalese forward has just one year on his contract, and it is believed the forward will depart Liverpool this summer in search of a new challenge, with him being heavily linked to Bayern Munich.

Since he arrived on Merseyside, he has played an integral part in their on-field success, especially in the Premier League where he never scored less than 10 league goals. This summer is the first where Liverpool’s transfer activities will be led by Julian Ward, as Michael Edwards departs the club. Ward and Jurgen Klopp will be faced with the unenviable task of replacing Mane if he does go ahead and depart this summer, however, if there is one club that will thrive on the task it is Liverpool.

This data analysis will analyse data and look to find some suitable replacements for Mane that fit their recruitment beliefs and playing tactics.

Mane and the current Liverpool attackers

In order to get a better understanding of what Liverpool will want from a replacement for Sadio Mane, we will take a look at how the current Liverpool attackers perform, in terms of statistics. This can help us understand the attributes Liverpool requires from their attackers, without having access to the KPIs or specific requirements of Liverpool, which should help us accurately identify some potential replacements. The below percentile ranks show Liverpool attackers in a sample of attackers with over 1500 minutes in Europe’s top five leagues and the Eredivisie + Primeira Liga.

The first shows the departing Sadio Mane and his performance in a combination of in possession and out of possession metrics.

As you can see, Mane excels in both chance creation and goalscoring. He has a strong xA per 90 of 0.12 per 90 in addition to achieving a high number of key passes, smart passes and through passes, all of which create or help create chances for Liverpool. Mane is also one of the best goalscorers in the sample, ranking in the 90^th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, something that will need replacing.

The next shows another Liverpool attacker in Mohammed Salah, who looks likely to extend his contract at the club.