It might seem counterintuitive, but there are cases when players receive low ratings despite scoring goals. While scoring is an important part of football, ratings are based on a holistic assessment of a player’s overall performance, not just goals. Several factors contribute to why a player might get a low rating even after finding the back of the net.

Here are some key reasons:

1. Lack of Involvement in the Overall Play

• Limited Contribution: Scoring a goal is great, but if the player hasn’t been involved in other aspects of the game (e.g., key passes, good link-up play, defensive contributions), their overall rating might suffer.
• Example: A player might score a tap-in from a well-delivered cross but otherwise not contribute much to the build-up or play throughout the match. In this case, the rating might not reflect the goal as highly as a player who contributed to the attack or created chances for others.
• Rating Impact: Key statistics like key passes, dribbles, and overall involvement in the team’s attacking and defensive efforts weigh into the rating.

2. Poor Overall Performance or Inefficiency

• Missed Opportunities: A player might score a goal but also miss several good chances or make poor decisions in other parts of the game (e.g., misplacing passes, getting dispossessed often, or failing to track back defensively).
• Rating Impact: If the player misses high-quality chances or is inefficient in their actions (e.g., inaccurate passes or shots), this might hurt their rating, even if they scored.

Example: A forward scores a goal but misses a one-on-one with the goalkeeper or makes poor decisions when in possession. The goal might help their rating, but the missed chances or poor decisions can drag it down.

3. Defensive Negligence or Mistakes

• Defensive Responsibilities: In addition to scoring goals, players (especially forwards or attacking midfielders) are expected to contribute defensively. If a player scores but fails to track back, doesn’t press effectively, or makes key defensive mistakes, their rating might reflect that.
• Example: An attacking player might score a goal but leave their defensive responsibilities unfulfilled, leading to a goal conceded by the team. Their rating will take this into account, lowering it despite the goal they scored.

4. Poor Team Performance

• Impact of the Team: Sometimes, the overall performance of the team plays a big role in individual ratings. If a player scores but their team loses or plays poorly, the individual rating might be lower, as the player’s contribution might be overshadowed by the team’s failure.
• Example: A player scores a goal but their team suffers a heavy defeat (e.g., 4-1), and despite the goal, the player’s overall influence and the lack of team success can lead to a lower rating.

5. Tactical Role or Positioning

• Limited Effectiveness: Some players may score but still be criticized for their positioning, tactical understanding, or role within the team’s system. If a player is supposed to be involved in the build-up play or contribute in multiple phases of the game and fails to do so, their rating may not reflect the goal they scored.
• Example: A player may score a goal but be constantly out of position, fail to make runs, or not link up well with teammates. While their goal may boost their rating slightly, their overall performance might be deemed ineffective.

6. Type of Goal Scored

• Quality of the Goal: Not all goals are viewed equally in terms of quality. A player might score, but if the goal was easy or came from a mistake by the opposition (e.g., a tap-in or an own goal), it may not be as highly rated.
• Example: A player scores a goal after an opposition error (e.g., a goalkeeper blunder or a defensive mistake), and while it counts as a goal, it may not be seen as a result of great skill or individual brilliance, lowering their rating.

7. Game Context

• Scoreline and Timing: If a player scores a goal when the game is already decided or in a less critical moment, their contribution might not have as much weight in the final rating.
• Example: A player scores in the last minutes of a match when the result is already clear, or when the team is already comfortably ahead. The goal might feel less significant to the overall outcome, and this could affect the player’s rating.

8. Disciplinary Issues

• Fouls and Cards: A player who scores but picks up a yellow or red card, or commits multiple fouls, may have their rating negatively affected.
• Example: A player might score a crucial goal, but if they commit a reckless foul, receive a booking, or even get sent off, it may overshadow the goal and lead to a lower rating.

9. Ratings Based on Advanced Stats

• Analytics and Metrics: Some player rating systems are not just based on goals but on more advanced metrics such as expected goals (xG), passes completed, distance covered, pressures, and ball recoveries. A player who scores might still have a poor rating if their overall play doesn’t meet certain statistical thresholds.
• Example: A forward might score but not contribute in other areas such as creating chances, winning duels, or pressing the opposition. Analytical rating systems might thus give them a lower overall score even if they found the back of the net.

10. Perceived Effort and Work Rate

• Non-Statistical Contributions: In some cases, players are rated not only for what they do with the ball but also for their effort, work rate, and attitude during the game. A player who scores a goal but is perceived as not working hard enough or showing the necessary commitment may receive a low rating.
• Example: A forward might score a goal but show little effort in tracking back, making runs, or pressing the opposition. Even though they scored, the lack of effort in other areas can lead to a low rating.