Salah vs Haaland: Who is the best Premier League striker in 2025? Statistics comparison

From raw power to precise finishing, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have become the faces of Premier League goal-scoring. In the 2024/2025 season, the debate over who stands as the best striker in England's top flight is more intense than ever. With both forwards delivering standout performances and astonishing numbers, fans and analysts continue to dissect their contributions, styles, and influence on their respective teams. Join us as we break down their latest statistics to determine who truly reigns supreme as the Premier League's top striker in 2025.

Goal Scoring Efficiency in the 2024/2025 Season

Mohamed Salah's Sharpness in Front of Goal

Salah has been in phenomenal form, netting 27 goals in just 29 league appearances. This gives him an incredible average of 0.93 goals per match, a figure that not only places him at the top of the scoring charts but also reflects his consistency throughout the campaign. Remarkably, 24 of those goals have come from his favored left foot, with no goals scored via headers, showcasing his reliance on pace, positioning, and finishing from open play situations. Nine of his goals have been penalties, which highlights both his role as a designated taker and his composure under pressure.

Erling Haaland's Power and Precision

Haaland, the Norwegian powerhouse, remains one of the league’s most lethal finishers. With 21 goals in 28 appearances, his average of 0.75 goals per match is still elite, though slightly behind Salah's. Notably, Haaland has been more diverse in his finishing methods: four goals with his head, two with his right foot, and 15 with his left. His physicality allows him to score from a variety of positions, especially inside the box. Unlike Salah, Haaland has scored only two penalties, indicating fewer opportunities or a different team setup for set-pieces.

Involvement in Build-Up and Passing

Salah's Playmaking Role

Salah’s impact goes beyond scoring. With 884 total passes and 651 successful ones, he averages over 30 passes per game, showing his active involvement in Liverpool’s build-up play. His 233 failed passes highlight the creative risk he often takes to open up defenses. Compared to traditional strikers, Salah's ability to contribute in deeper areas and link up with midfielders is a key aspect of his overall influence.

Haaland's Limited Passing Numbers

Haaland, in contrast, has made only 336 passes this season, completing 223 of them. Averaging just 12 passes per match, it’s clear that his role is more focused on finishing moves rather than initiating them. While his pass completion is solid, it reinforces the notion that Haaland is a pure number nine—an elite poacher with minimal participation in build-up phases.

Dribbling and Possession Impact

Salah the Dribbler

Salah’s dribbling stats are among the best in the league for forwards. With 104 dribble attempts and 51 successful ones, he averages over 3.5 dribbles per game, often beating defenders in one-on-one situations. Although he has lost the ball in 53 of those attempts, his high success rate justifies the risk. Additionally, Salah has won possession 109 times out of 245 duels, proving his defensive work rate and competitiveness off the ball.

Haaland's Physical Presence

Haaland’s dribbling figures are considerably lower, with only 30 attempted and 11 successful dribbles. This isn't a criticism but rather an insight into his role. His strength lies in positioning, sharp movements, and one-touch finishes. With 195 duels and 81 possessions won, he remains a physical threat, particularly in the final third, but doesn't engage in as many take-ons as Salah.

Shooting Accuracy and Decision Making

Salah's Variety in Shooting

With 87 total shots and 55 on target, Salah has maintained a 63% shot accuracy. He averages 3 shots per game, of which nearly 2 test the goalkeeper. His ability to shoot from different angles and distances adds to his threat level, forcing defenders to close him down quickly.

Haaland's Ruthless Finishing

Interestingly, Haaland has matched Salah with 87 shots, but leads in shots on target with 58. This gives him a slightly higher accuracy percentage and emphasizes his goal-poaching instincts. His shots are usually taken inside the box, which translates to higher-quality chances and better conversion rates.

Discipline, Fouls, and Off-the-Ball Work

Salah’s Discipline and Fouls Won

Salah discipline stands out—only one yellow card in 29 matches and zero reds. More importantly, he has won 33 fouls, an average of 1.14 per game, often in dangerous areas. He commits fewer fouls himself (20 total), showing restraint and intelligence in defensive transitions.

Haaland's Aggressive Edge

Haaland has received two yellow cards and committed 22 fouls, reflecting his physical approach. He wins fewer fouls (12), which could suggest less involvement in drawing defenders or holding the ball up under pressure. Nevertheless, his aggressive playstyle remains a cornerstone of his game.

What You Should Know About Salah vs Haaland in 2025

• Salah leads the Premier League scoring chart with 27 goals in 29 games
• Haaland has 21 goals in 28 matches with superior shot accuracy
• Salah is more involved in build-up play and passing phases
• Haaland is a classic striker focused on finishing and positioning
• Salah attempts more dribbles and contributes in defensive duels
• Haaland is more physical and efficient inside the penalty box
• Salah has drawn more fouls and received fewer bookings
• Haaland is more effective in aerial duels and header goals