Finding the Next Mohamed Salah with Data

In this article, we aim to analyze Mohamed Salah's irreplaceability at Liverpool, using data to highlight his massive impact on the team’s success and the tough challenge of finding an eventual successor to replace him.

The Legend and the Legacy

Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly become one of the Premier League's legendary figures, with his sustained brilliance and consistency over the years. At 32, the Egyptian is enjoying a season that, much like a vintage wine, deepens in quality as his mentality continually evolves and matures. Is this just an opinion? No, it’s the reality.

He consistently delivers at the most decisive moments for Liverpool, surpassing expectations in all managerial areas, making him irreplaceable. In his debut season 2017-2018 at Liverpool, Salah recorded 58 goal contributions (44 goals, 14 assists) in 52 matches. This season (2024-25), the Egyptian has 54 goal contributions (32 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games, and he is on the verge of delivering one of the most remarkable performances in Premier League history. (The analysis was conducted on 9th April 2025)

Figure 1: Mohamed Salah Liverpool career stats

These numbers are already exceptional, and the season isn’t even over yet. His influence on the game and his ability to drive attacking transitions go beyond mere statistics. He’s a role model for young players, showing the value of hard work, constant improvement, and resilience. It’s hard to argue with Slot’s assessment, as Salah’s consistency and impact over the years have solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.

As Salah's contract expires, Liverpool is running out of time to find a replacement. The pressure to find a competent replacement is growing, as uncertainty clouds his future. Salah may be 32, but he’s still in peak physical condition, and his stats back it up. In fact, his performances have never been more impressive, underlining both his consistency and his ability to elevate his game year after year. As uncertainty remains, Liverpool are inevitably preparing for all scenarios, whether with or without him.

The Challenge of Replacing Salah

Replacing Mohamed Salah at Liverpool is a massive challenge, given his extraordinary skills, consistent goal-scoring, and huge impact on the team’s performance. The ideal candidate must not only match his speed and technical skill but also possess tactical awareness to smoothly integrate into Liverpool’s dynamic style of play. Salah’s statistics speak for themselves: 243 goals in 383 appearances, making him the club’s third-highest scorer of all time, behind only Ian Rush (346 goals) and Roger Hunt (285 goals). Salah's consistency is incomparable, leading Liverpool's scoring for seven consecutive seasons and playing a key role in winning the Premier League, Champions League, and the domestic cup. Beyond statistics, his unique style and dependability, even when not at his peak, prove his immense value. His ability to deliver game-changing moments when the team needs him most highlights his indispensable role at Liverpool.

Introducing DoppelScout

With Salah’s greatness in mind, we now shift gears into the world where stats meet scouting. Every football legend influences a player who mirrors their rhythm, instincts and impact on the pitch. DoppelScout is our cutting-edge scouting engine designed to find those elusive footballing Doppelgängers. It goes beyond the surface, digging past raw performance to unearth deeper layers of similarity through advanced metrics, AI-driven analysis, and intelligent player profiling.

Born from the heart of our DeadBall Analytics initiative, DoppelScout is the first of several tools we're unveiling, a fusion of data science and football intuition. It’s our way of reimagining scouting: not just identifying the stars of today, but discovering the next ones hiding in plain sight. With DoppelScout, we don’t just look at who a player is, we look for who they could be.

The DoppelScout in a Nutshell

Scouting in football has always been about identifying the right player at the right time. Traditional methods rely on subjective assessments, past reputation, and raw statistics, but in the modern era, data science is changing the game. The DoppelScout is our answer to this evolution, a cutting-edge model designed to find a player’s closest statistical Doppelgänger by blending advanced similarity metrics, clustering techniques, feature reduction, and graph theory.

But hold on! Think of it like Mohamed Salah at 17, weaving through defenses for El Mokawloon. Raw, electric, full of promise, but far from the polished icon we know today. That’s where DoppelScout is right now. It’s our version 0.1: young, ambitious, and already showing glimpses of brilliance. Like any top prospect, it will grow, refining its touch, deepening its vision, and sharpening its accuracy. For now, powered by open-access data and driven by data-scientific instinct, this is where it stands. Ready to see what it’s uncovered?

At its core, DoppelScout does not just compare goals and assists. It looks beyond the obvious, analyzing a player's stylistic DNA using multi-dimensional data. By integrating different layers of statistical resemblance from positional tendencies and movement patterns to goal contribution efficiency, we construct a player’s fingerprint that allows us to match them with others across leagues, seasons, and development stages. This means we can not only find established stars with similar profiles but also uncover emerging talents who may not yet be on the radar.

What sets DoppelScout apart is its ability to combine different analytical approaches into a single, weighted system. We don’t just rely on raw statistical similarity; we also cluster players into natural groups and use graph theory to understand the deeper network of player relationships across the footballing world. This ensures our matches are not just statistically sound but also tactically meaningful. The result? A data-driven way to identify potential replacements, hidden gems, and future superstars.

Figure 2: The DoppelScout flowchart

Beyond the Eye Test: The Science of Similarity

The Search Begins: Defining the Salah Standard
To uncover Mo Salah’s true footballing Doppelgängers, we began by building a clear and consistent benchmark. Using Salah’s average statistical profile across his eight-year tenure at Liverpool, we created a composite representation of his playing identity and his performance DNA. Reminder: Mohamed Salah transferred to Liverpool from AS Roma in June 2017 at the age of 25 for a reported fee of €42 million (plus add-ons, reaching up to €50 million).

Considering Liverpool FC's historical transfer strategy, particularly the approach they took when signing Mohamed Salah, we applied a targeted filtering process to identify his potential successors. We focused solely on players under the age of 26 (allowing a one-year buffer) to ensure our shortlist includes both immediate impact players and those with long-term potential. To maintain statistical reliability, we only considered players who have logged at least five full 90-minute matches in the 2024–2025 season, while also limiting our scope to the Big 5 European leagues, due to current data availability (apologies to future breakout stars elsewhere!).

However, replacing Salah isn’t just about finding another prolific goal scorer; he is a Swiss Army knife in attack. Throughout his career, he has played as a Right Winger, Left Winger, and even Centre Forward, adapting seamlessly to different tactical needs. To reflect this versatility, we widened our player pool beyond just Forwards, incorporating attack-minded Midfielders as well.

And when it comes to measuring up to Salah’s elite consistency, we took a different approach. Instead of relying on just his latest season’s numbers, the DoppelScout averages his last eight seasons to capture the essence of his sustained excellence. Meanwhile, for target players, we use their 2024–2025 statistics, but with an added layer of intelligence: a newly introduced consistency score. This score evaluates how stable a player’s performances have been across multiple seasons while accounting for uncertainty, meaning young talents or recent Big 5 transfers aren’t unfairly penalized for having limited historical data. This carefully curated shortlist forms the final pool from which The DoppelScout hunts for Salah’s closest stylistic and statistical matches—his next-gen counterparts. Now, all that’s left to do? Click 'Run' 🚀 and watch the magic of Data-Scientific Scouting unfold. 🔍

What the Data Says: The Unfiltered Hunt for Salah’s Doppelgänger

We mentioned this earlier, but it's worth repeating in case you missed it. Player comparisons go far beyond matching statistics or relying on surface-level performance metrics. DoppelScout takes player analysis to the next level by integrating clustering, graph theory, and advanced similarity metrics. This allows us to identify players who not only produce similar outputs but also share tactical roles, developmental trajectories, and stylistic blueprints, elements that raw numbers alone can’t fully capture.

Our first unfiltered draft of Mo Salah’s doppelgängers includes 30 names. Many of them are well-known, but a few unexpected names might catch your eye. This initial list serves as a broad foundation, capturing players with overlapping statistical and tactical profiles. However, not all doppelgängers are created equal—some might share Salah’s goal-scoring prowess, others his positional versatility, and a few his unique blend of consistency and explosiveness. Please see below for the graph representation of these names along with their DoppelScore!

Figure 3: The DoppelScore similarity report in graph mode

The next step? Refining the shortlist. By applying deeper filters, factoring in consistency, adaptability, and long-term impact, we’ll uncover the players who truly embody Salah’s unique influence on the game. The final selection won’t just be about numbers, it’ll be about finding the next-gen successor who can deliver Salah-esque performances when it matters most.

The Usual Suspects and the Need for Filtering

Our initial list of 30 players, shown in Figure 3 above (and Table below), was a blend of familiar faces and intriguing prospects. However, it was evident that not all of them were viable transfer targets for Liverpool. Some players, due to their high market value, crucial roles at top clubs, or other constraints, were beyond our reach. To streamline our search, our first elimination filter revolves around the cost of the player.

Figure 4: The DoppelScore results in the table

When Liverpool signed Mohamed Salah for €50 million in 2017 (incl. add-ons), it was a significant investment, but times change, and so do transfer markets. Since then, the world has seen almost everything except an alien invasion, COVID-19, lockdowns, wars, economic crises, and skyrocketing fuel prices, all of which have reshaped football's financial landscape. According to Inside World Football, player prices have risen by an average of 9% annually, independent of overall market fluctuations (source). Applying this rate, Salah’s €50M price tag in 2017 equates to approximately €100M (~£85M) in 2025.

Will Liverpool actually spend that much (or even more) on his replacement? That’s anyone’s guess. But come on, it’s Salah, the Egyptian King. You pay the price. Based on this logic, we've set €100M (~£85M) as the maximum limit for our target players' current Transfermarkt valuations. This approach allowed us to distinguish between realistic prospects and those in the "dream but unlikely" category, ensuring our efforts were focused on attainable targets.

The Egyptian Prince: Omar Marmoush, A Doppelganger to Salah?
At the top of our list, standing head and shoulders above the rest, is Omar Marmoush, with a commanding DoppelScore of 77.50—almost 5 points higher than his closest rival. Picture this: in a parallel universe, perhaps the Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, could have been replaced by a prince from Egypt himself. But in this reality, it was Manchester City who made their move early, securing Marmoush during the January transfer window. While such a transfer remains out of reach for Liverpool at this moment, it’s hard not to let the mind wander, imagining what could have been. Would Marmoush’s flair and dynamism in a Liverpool shirt truly rival Salah’s legendary status? It’s a tantalizing thought, one that brings a hint of intrigue to the world of football’s endless possibilities.

Out of Bounds: The Untouchables and Unlikely Doppelgangers
Let’s see the rest of the list: Cole Palmer, Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, Olise, and Musiala are considered indispensable players for their respective clubs, firmly placing them in the "untouchable" category. On the other hand, players like Isak, Kvaratskhelia, and Saka are valued primarily because of their astronomical transfer fees. Kvaratskhelia's recent move to PSG adds further complexity to his situation. Arsenal, known for their reluctance to part with key assets, will not easily let go of Saka. Isak, meanwhile, remains a top transfer target this summer, though the Public Investment Fund (PIF)'s involvement in facilitating such a move remains uncertain. Players such as Matheus Cunha, Ekitike, and Amoura were excluded from the final list primarily because they are typical number 9s, a profile that did not align with our recruitment strategy. While the list featured exceptionally talented individuals, narrowing it down to the most suitable candidates for recruitment was a challenging task, reflecting the depth of talent under consideration.

The Realistic Replacements
Making a transfer is more than just about numbers; the process is also about timing, availability, and the right circumstances. Some players are stylistic fits but financially out of reach, while others have just signed long-term deals or play for clubs that wouldn’t sell to Liverpool in a million years. Even if a player fits Salah’s profile on paper, factors such as their ability to transition into the Premier League's physical and tactical demands, alignment with Liverpool’s playing style, leadership qualities, and growth potential can make a move more complex. Liverpool’s recruitment strategy ensures that every signing aligns not just statistically but also culturally and financially with the club’s long-term vision. With that in mind, we narrowed our focus to feasible options, players whose talent, contract situation, and market value align with what Liverpool can realistically pursue. This approach ensures we’re not just identifying similar players, but those who could genuinely wear the famous red shirt in the near future.

Final XI: Our Top 11 Candidates

As we near the conclusion of our DoppelScout journey, we've carefully filtered the initial pool down to a refined list of 11 standout players. These names reflect a balance of realism, statistical similarity, and footballing quality, each one a compelling option in its own right. However, not all great players are true doppelgangers. While every name on this list brings significant value and talent, their alignment with Salah’s unique on-pitch identity varies. To honor these nuances, we’ve split our final shortlist based on two core scouting questions.

First: Which player, regardless of position—be it LW, RW, or AM could potentially match Salah’s goal contribution numbers in the shortest time? This group includes high-impact talents who may not mimic Salah’s profile exactly but are capable of stepping up to deliver decisive moments.

Second: Who would be the best right-wing replacement for Salah? This group is our refined set of statistical Doppelgängers — players who align with Salah not just in output, but in position, movement, and style. These are the closest echoes of the Egyptian King on a football pitch.

This split allows us to explore both the bold possibilities and the precise fits as Liverpool faces a post-Salah era.

Which player, regardless of position (RW, LW, AM), could potentially match Salah's goal contribution numbers in the shortest time?

Florian Wirtz (DoppelScore = 72.84)
First things first, we made an exception for Florian Wirtz. Yes, he’s well above our 100M euro transfer value threshold, but letting him go just because of that felt… wrong. Talent like his doesn’t come around often, and it deserves a closer look. So while he technically breaks the budget, he earns a rightful place in our conversation, at the very least, among this group. Florian Wirtz is not just another young talent in German football. He's a generational figure redefining the modern playmaker role. At just 21, he amazes Bundesliga fans with his ability to find space, game intelligence, and control, both on and off the ball.

In Xabi Alonso's highly efficient Leverkusen side, Wirtz has been key as the creative heartbeat, the one who sets the tempo and sees the next three moves before anyone else does. This season, he leads the Bundesliga with 10 assists and ranks third in assists per 90 minutes (0.48). A move to one of Europe's elite clubs seems inevitable. If you ask us, a Wirtz–Liverpool partnership would be magical. His creativity and intelligence would shine in Arne Slot's system under the Anfield lights.

Xavi Simons (DoppelScore = 62.27)
One of the most hyped young stars in European football, Xavi Simons joined Barcelona’s La Masia Academy at seven. His talent quickly drew attention across Europe. In 2019, he moved to PSG and debuted in the first team at 17. Known for his ball-carrying and fearless dribbling, Simons is a direct and dangerous threat. After two strong loan spells, RB Leipzig signed him permanently in January 2025 for €50 million plus bonuses.

His second season took a hit with an injury during a Champions League clash against Liverpool, just as he was hitting form. Since returning, he's been inconsistent, but in the Bundesliga’s second half, he managed 7 goals and 4 assists. Those numbers show promise, but doubts remain about his long-term ceiling. With Leipzig’s Champions League hopes fading, his future is uncertain. A summer move seems likely, and Premier League clubs are already circling. At 22, Simons remains a dynamic talent, and a move to Anfield could reignite his rise.

Julian Alvarez (DoppelScore = 64.58)
At 25, Julian Alvarez has outgrown the ‘system player’ tag. From Guardiola’s structure to Simeone’s toughness, he’s proven he can adapt, evolve, and make a difference, no matter the stage. Sure, Atletico, who spent €75 million on this transfer, won't let Alvarez go easily in any negotiation. Still, this challenge doesn't stop him from being one of the top targets.

The Argentinian is a versatile forward capable of carrying any team to the highest level, able to contribute both as a complementary striker and as a clinical finisher. With 18 goals and 3 assists in 39 appearances this season, his impact on the team is beyond what the stats show on paper. If the player wishes to return to the Premier League and Liverpool gives the green light to a low-risk transfer, then it could be a very attractive move for both sides.

Figure 5: Domestic League Performance of Wirtz, Simons, and Álvarez – 2024/25 Season

Nico Williams (DoppelScore = 63.31)
Nico Williams' rapid rise has made him one of Europe's hottest wingers. Born in 2002, Nico made his first-team debut for Athletic Bilbao at 18 during the 2020-21 season. He quickly proved himself as a key player, showing off his talent and potential in the following years. Last season, he played a crucial role in ending Athletic's 40-year trophy drought with a Copa del Rey win. His speed is frightening, destroying defenses and leaving full-backs helpless. His unpredictability, confidence, and ability to isolate defenders in one-to-one situations make him nearly impossible to control.

In the 2023/24 season, Nico ranked second in La Liga for assisting (13), proving that he's just as dangerous at creating chances as scoring them. He capped off the season with a stellar performance at Euro 2024, scoring in the final against England and earning Player of the Match honors. Last summer, Barcelona tried to sign Nico Williams, but failed to complete the transfer. Next summer, several top clubs are expected to pursue Nico Williams, given his impressive performances and potential.

Rafael Leão (DoppelScore = 70.55)
Rafael Leo is that rare kind of player almost everyone agrees with. The talent is obvious, but the question still remains: When will he truly level up? He could have made the big move we're all hoping for if he'd sharpened his off-ball instincts to match his explosive on-ball abilities. His pace, dynamism, and agility past defenders make him a major threat in transition situations as well as tight spaces.

With elite ball-carrying capabilities and an exceptional physical profile, he remains one of the most interesting players to watch at his position. If Rafael Leão learns to maximize his movement without possession and avoids disappearing during parts of the season, it could help him reach another level in his game and place him among the best wingers in Europe.

Bradley Barcola (DoppelScore = 67.45)
When PSG spent €45 million to bring him in from Lyon two years ago, not many expected him to reach this level. But this season, he has surpassed all expectations, becoming a key player for the team. Barcola is an electric winger, skilled in first touches and brutally direct with the ball. After Mbappe's departure, he immediately succeeded the role of attacking leader of PSG on the left flank, with remarkable improvement under Luis Enrique.

He is having an outstanding 2024-2025 season in Ligue 1, ranking among the league's top players in multiple attacking metrics. The 22-year-old French player is second in Ligue 1 for total Goals + Assists with 22, which also places him 10th across the Big 5 European Leagues. These statistics support Barcola as one of the most dangerous and creative attackers in Europe. Replacing Salah’s role isn’t an easy task, but considering Barcola’s development and his current age, he’s not just a wise long-term investment for Liverpool, but for any club.

Figure 6: Bradley Barcola, Rafael Leao, Nico Williams comparison

Who would be the best right-wing replacement for Salah? Doppelgängers.

Rayan Cherki (DoppelScore = 66.57)
Rayan Cherki burst onto the scene in 2019, making his Lyon debut at just 16 becoming the club’s fourth-youngest ever. He’s regarded as one of the brightest talents in Lyon’s famed academy, and has been compared to Nabil Fekir, Karim Benzema, Anthony Martial, and Hatem Ben Arfa. Some even argue Cherki has the potential to surpass them. His journey hasn’t been smooth, with early concerns about his attitude and professionalism. Despite this, under Paulo Fonseca’s guidance, he has shown clear maturity on and off the pitch.

This season, he’s stood out, scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists in Ligue 1, while leading the Europa League with 8 assists and adding 2 more goals. Primarily a right-side attacker, capable of using both feet, his flair, creativity, and unpredictability make him a constant threat. He may not yet have Salah’s elegance when he arrives in the Premier League, but Cherki’s raw talent is indisputable. Under a manager like Arne Slot, who values intelligent and expressive football, he could become Europe’s next breakout star.

Dilane Bakwa (DoppelScore = 61.58)
Dilane Bakwa, the 22-year-old rising star in Ligue 1, has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting talents. After graduating through Bordeaux’s youth academy and turning professional in 2019, he proved himself as a key player for Strasbourg and represented France at various youth levels. He’s a dynamic attacker who combines speed, skill, and creativity to trouble defenses. His ability to accelerate past opponents and deliver pinpoint crosses makes him a constant threat.

This season, he ranks 3rd in Ligue 1 for assists (8), 9th for key passes (49), and 7th for crosses (111), proving his consistency and impact in the final third. His standout performances, including a remarkable performance against Lyon, have caught top clubs' attention. Eintracht Frankfurt monitor his progress, while his connection to Strasbourg’s BlueCo project (linked to Chelsea) opens up exciting possibilities. With Champions League football on the horizon, Bakwa’s future is bright. Could a move to a top club like Liverpool be next? Time will tell.

Maghnes Akliouche (DoppelScore = 63.51)
Maghnes Akliouche is emerging as one of Ligue 1’s most promising attacking midfielders, well known for his silky left foot and exceptional creativity. He is a key part of Monaco's attack, contributing 6 goals and 10 assists this season, along with outstanding performances in the Champions League. Ranked 5th in goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (0.77) and 3rd in total goal-creating actions (16) in Ligue 1, Akliouche's influence is evident.

A spectacular overhead kick against Rennes on January 25, 2025, described as "Puskas-worthy," has only amplified his reputation. However, his talent is far beyond that. As a Monaco player under contract until 2028, Akliouche is drawing attention from top European clubs, marking him as a rising star to watch. One of the strongest Doppel's of Salah on our list.

Figure 7: Created Assists by R. Cherki, M. Akliouche and D. Bakwa (2024-25)

Lee Kang-in (DoppelScore = 61.61)
Lee Kang-in began his European football journey in 2011, joining Valencia’s youth academy at just 10 years old. His success with South Korea’s youth teams, including winning the Golden Ball at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and his continuous development have made him a well-known name among European football followers.

The South Korean international is renowned for his elite left foot, capable of breaking down tight defenses with progressive playmaking and breaking lines. However, since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s arrival, Lee finds it difficult to get minutes, with Ousmane Dembele showing excellent form and both Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola earning Enrique’s trust.

After the Mo Salah era, Liverpool will need technically gifted, press-resistant creators who can thrive in inside-right spaces. Lee could be an intriguing option. Playing in new leagues under top coaches could push Lee Kang-in to the next level. Whether at Liverpool or elsewhere, the timing feels right for his next big move.

Bryan Mbeumo (DoppelScore = 70.10)
Bryan Mbeumo has been a key player in Brentford’s rise, growing into one of their most significant and versatile players. He’s incredibly athletic and excels in transition, and he keeps improving every season, making him one of the Premier League’s most well-rounded and underrated attacking threats. He has scored 16 goals and provided 5 assists in just 30 games, and has a positive Expected Goal Difference of 6.39xG, placing him second in the Premier League, which shows just how good he is at finishing.

The Cameroonian player is a signature of Brentford’s data-driven recruitment success, and his success goes beyond Brentford. Fascinating story from every perspective. A move to Anfield or the Emirates, or St James Park is all on the table, but one thing is clear, Mbeumo is no longer flying under the radar, he’s ready to take flight.

Figure 8: Lee Kang-in and Bryan Mbeumo heat-map comparison

The Final Whistle, The Post-Salah Puzzle

The task of replacing Mohamed Salah is not about finding a direct clone. It’s about preparing for a tactical, emotional, and cultural shift. Salah has been more than just a right-winger for Liverpool, offering availability, explosiveness, consistency, and game-changing moments in one package. This project isn’t about predicting the next Salah but reframing the question: what functions need to be replaced, and which players have the attributes, potential, and tactical flexibility to fill such a unique role?

Using DoppelScout, we analyzed leagues, roles, and underlying metrics, focusing on fit rather than just output. We identified players capable of breaking systems, not just following them. Some offer short-term productivity, while others bring long-term potential. Each represents a different perspective on the post-Salah era.

There’s no single right answer to replacing a player like Mohamed Salah, but there are scenarios to consider. You might prioritize direct output with someone like Nico Williams. Alternatively, you could choose a raw but highly skilled creator like Cherki. Or you might reshape the front three entirely, redefining the team’s dynamic from the ground up. That’s the challenge and beauty of modern scouting. It’s not just about identifying talent; it’s about understanding systems, roles, and transitions. DoppelScout embraced this complexity, filtering out the most promising names for each of these possible futures, whether it’s finding a like-for-like heir, a tactical disruptor, or a visionary rebuild.

Replacing a legend isn’t driven by nostalgia, it requires clarity, timing, and the courage to move forward. Salah’s legacy at Liverpool is irreplaceable, but football doesn’t stop with legends. It didn’t stop yesterday, and it won’t stop tomorrow. With the right mix of insight, tools, and imagination, a new identity can be built.

One that doesn’t replicate the past but redefines what comes next.