Dietmar Hamann’s return to the Liverpool team has coincided with a great run of form for Liverpool – one that has seen them pick up more points than any team with the exception of Manchester United.
The German international was out of the side for seven matches after injuring his shin earlier this year. In that time, Liverpool won just once and picked up only eight points. But since his introduction as a substitute at West Ham in February, the Reds have picked up 25 points in 11 matches.
Liverpool
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
Hamann out
7
1
5
1
6
6
8
Hamann returns
11
8
1
2
25
12
25
Gerard Houllier’s side have been noticeably better in attack, scoring an average of 2.27 goals per game since Hamann’s comeback compared to the 0.86 goals-per-game average they recorded in his seven-match absence. They have converted 18% of their efforts into goals in those last 11 matches, which is the best record in the league over that period.
|
Liverpool |
Hamann out |
Hamann returns |
|
Games Played |
7 |
11 |
|
Points/game |
1.14 |
2.27 |
|
Goalscoring |
|
|
|
Goals |
6 |
25 |
|
Goals/game |
0.86 |
2.27 |
|
Shots |
81 |
136 |
|
% on target |
42% |
46% |
|
% shots/goals |
7% |
18% |
|
Passing |
|
|
|
Passes |
2,426 |
4,515 |
|
Pass Completion % |
69% |
77% |
|
Defending |
|
|
|
Goals conceded |
6 |
12 |
|
Conceded/game |
0.86 |
1.09 |
|
Clean sheets |
2 |
4 |
Hamann’s composure has also rubbed off on to his team-mates. He has completed 85% of his passes since his return and lifted the overall team ratio up from 69% to 77%. A signicant rise.
