Salah and Mahrez among English Premier League’s greatest playmakers

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez have reinforced their status as two of the greatest Arab players in Premier League history after both featured prominently in the competition’s all-time rankings for creating goalscoring opportunities.

Statistics released by WhoScored place the pair among the league’s most influential playmakers since the 2009-10 season, highlighting the lasting impact they made during their time in England.

Salah finished second on the list after creating 146 big chances, while Mahrez ranked sixth with 102, putting both players alongside some of the Premier League’s biggest names.

Only De Bruyne ranks above Salah

Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne leads the standings with 198 big chances created since the 2009-10 campaign.

Salah sits second with 146, ahead of Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who occupies third place with 140.

Mahrez also features among the competition’s elite creators, finishing above several renowned Premier League stars, including Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen and Raheem Sterling.

Legacy extends beyond goals

The figures underline the broader influence both players had during their Premier League careers.

While Salah and Mahrez earned global recognition for their goals, the statistics demonstrate that they were equally effective at creating opportunities for teammates, making them two of the most complete attacking players of their generation.

Their performances also marked a significant milestone for African and Arab football, with the duo becoming role models for players across the continent through their sustained excellence in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

Enduring place in Premier League history

Although both players have since moved on from English football, their achievements continue to stand among the league’s all-time records.

Salah, who now plays for Turkish club Besiktas, and Mahrez, whose Premier League career ended before his move to Saudi Arabia, remain firmly established among the competition’s greatest creators, alongside iconic names such as Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Trent Alexander-Arnold.