## Ivan Toney's Goal-Scoring Brilliance at Al Ahli: A Statistical Analysis
Since joining Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli from Premier League Brentford in July 2024, Ivan Toney has wasted no time establishing himself as one of Asia’s most potent strikers. His early form isn’t just impressive; it’s backed by cold, hard statistics that highlight his elite finishing instincts and clinical efficiency.
In just **six league appearances** for Al Ahli (at the time of writing), Toney has already directly contributed to over half of their goals scored in those matches. Most staggeringly, he averages **well over one goal per game** – specifically averaging **1.33 goals per 90 minutes played** based on expected goals (xG) models significantly underestimating his output relative to chance quality received. This places him among the top scorers per minute across Europe’s major leagues this season.
Beyond raw numbers, his shooting precision stands out:
* **High Conversion Rate:** Over 45% of his shots on target have found the net (league-leading percentage).
* **Big Chance Feast:** He converts an extraordinary proportion (approximately 70%) of the "big chances" created for him by teammates. No player in the SPL comes close to this level of ruthlessness when one-on-one with goalkeepers or bearing down on goal from promising positions.
* **Set-Piece Threat:** Crucially, he remains dangerous from dead balls too, scoring vital header goals showcasing air superiority alongside his footed mobility inside the box. One memorable brace against rivals Al Nassr perfectly encapsulated his dual threat – bundling home a rebound after hitting the post *and* dispatching a curling free kick into the top corner.
Comparatively, his haul surpasses many established European forwards despite playing fewer games. For context, only global superstars like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane boast superior minute-by-minute scoring rates currently. Within the Saudi Pro League itself, Toney dominates key metrics including non-penalty goals, shots on target percentage, and goals per shot ratio.
This isn't luck; it's class. Ivan Toney has seamlessly translated his proven Premier League pedigree into dominance in Saudi Arabia. His exceptional conversion rate for high-quality opportunities, combined with work rate creating his own chances and aerial prowess, makes him statistically one of the world’s most efficient center forwards right now. Al Ahli fans have every reason to celebrate their £40 million investment who looks set to obliterate records as he continues this sensational scoring streak.