Barney “Alphari” Morris was a much hyped prospect when he joined Team Liquid in 2021. The 21-year old top laner was known for his carry performances and a statistically impressive 2020 season on a last place LEC team. Now, after a full split in the LCS, he may have the highest gold difference in the history of the league at 10 minutes, +493
There are certain outliers in this category. Some players only played one-to-three games and have inflated statistics. There are also different metas and eras of the LCS to consider. But, for top laners, Alphari stands alone as only Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon and Darshan “Darshan” Upadhyaya in past years have come close to reaching his current stat line.
Alphari’s statistics explained
Gold difference at 10 minutes into the game is a statistic that can express a player’s performance in the early laning phase. Teams and players do leave their individual lane to contest objectives or dive the enemy under towers in the first 10 minutes. But, the statistic is great for identifying players who can still accrue more gold than their opponent during that time, regardless of any early actions. As top lane is normally an island for many LCS teams–with both players farming minions in front of each other rather than participating in team play early–this statistic is increasingly impressive.
In short, Alphari is usually creating advantages for himself against his lane opponent rather than a jungler or support helping him with a gank. Alphari is a carry top laner, meaning his team does draft compositions that are predicated on him gaining these advantages. But, he has also played weak-side champions and compositions that require him to play safe and not bully his lane opponent.
Alphari also does not have that much competition in the LCS for his title as a top player statistically. His next closest peer is Finn “Finn” Wiestål at +35 gold difference at 10 minutes. Other LCS top laners do not normally play a carry style, which could explain the dichotomy. But, the statistic is still impressive either way.
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