No, goal scorers don’t always have the best match ratings, even though scoring a goal is often seen as the most direct contribution to a team’s success. Several factors contribute to match ratings, and a goal alone doesn’t guarantee a high rating. Here’s why:

1. Overall Performance Matters

• Positive Impact: A player who scores a goal but fails to contribute in other aspects of the game (such as passing, pressing, or defending) might not get a high rating. For instance, a striker may score, but if they don’t create chances, link up play, or press effectively, their rating might not reflect that one goal.
• Example: A striker who scores a goal but misses multiple easy chances or plays poorly in other areas could end up with a 6.5 or 7.0 rating, even though they netted a goal.

2. Quality of the Goal

• Positive Impact: The quality of the goal also affects the rating. A spectacular goal from a difficult position or a well-taken shot under pressure will likely boost the player’s rating more than a simple tap-in or penalty, which can be seen as less impactful in terms of overall contribution to the game.
• Example: A stunning long-range strike might push a player’s rating to 8.0 or higher, while a goal scored from an open header inside the 6-yard box might not significantly raise the rating.

3. Assists and Other Contributions

• Positive Impact: A player who scores a goal but also contributes with assists, key passes, and defensive work might be rated higher than someone who simply scores. The overall balance of their contributions to the game plays a significant role in match ratings.
• Example: Kevin De Bruyne, for example, often gets higher ratings for his assists and playmaking, even if he doesn’t score, because of his influence on the game through creating chances.

4. Defensive and Offensive Balance

• Neutral/Negative Impact: A player who scores but is poor defensively or doesn’t contribute to the team’s overall effort can receive a lower rating. Some players might score a goal but fail to work off the ball or contribute defensively, and this affects their overall rating.
• Example: A forward who scores but doesn’t track back or put in the necessary defensive effort might be rated lower than a player who works hard in all phases of the game.

5. Match Context

• Positive/Negative Impact: The importance of the match also influences ratings. A player who scores in a decisive match, such as a final or a crucial league game, will likely get a higher rating than someone who scores in a game with little at stake.
• Example: A goal in a Champions League final will usually result in a higher rating than a goal in a routine league match.

6. Team Play and Influence

• Positive Impact: Players who contribute to the overall flow of the game — linking up well with teammates, helping with transitions, and keeping possession — may get higher ratings than those who score without contributing to team play.
• Example: A midfielder who provides key passes, dictates play, and scores might have a higher rating than a striker who only scores but doesn’t contribute otherwise.

7. Missed Chances

• Negative Impact: A player who scores but also misses several clear chances may receive a lower rating than one who plays a more complete game or finishes chances with clinical efficiency.
• Example: A striker might score a goal but miss two or three other opportunities, leading to a lower rating than expected.