Darwin Nunez's stats compared with Erling Haaland and there's a clear winner ahead of Liverpool vs Man City

Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland's have been compared to help settle the debate between the two.

Both strikers arrived in the North West for big money in the summer of 2022 but it was Haaland who had the better season, scoring 52 goals in a record-breaking season as Manchester City won the treble.

Nunez hit 15 goals in all competitions but his sublime strike against Sparta Prague on Thursday means he has already surpassed that tally in his second season.

But going into the huge clash between Liverpool and City at Anfield on Sunday, which number nine comes on top in terms of stats?

The stats have been compared through Squawka's 'Comparison Matrix' Opta and there was a clear winner overall.

Nunez has played three games more than Haaland in the league this season due to the Norwegian's absence from a foot injury.

Image: Getty

But Haaland has a better goals per game ratio and is also ahead when it comes to conversion rate (24.32% to 14.49%) and shot accuracy (58.11% to 52.17% per 90 minutes.

Haaland leads the way with key metrics like pass accuracy, take-on success and aerial duel success, as well as less instances of losing the ball and being offside.

Nunez only comes out on top in five departments, the most notable being total passes per 90 minutes, total touches in the opposition box and scoring the winning goal.

Image: Squawka

Haaland has 18 Premier League goals so far this season, eight more than Nunez has managed for Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Uruguayan has shown his quality but there is still the feeling that he is not consistent enough and blows hot and cold.

Yet despite that, former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes Nunez can get to Haaland's level.

Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: You’d have egg on your face if you try to predict anything with him. He could be anything. He could be a Haaland or a [Harry] Kane in terms of the numbers if he gets his game in the right order.

“At the moment he’s still a frustration at certain times but you can’t be without him.

"He does so many good things that you have to keep playing him and take the rough with the smooth.”

Topics: Liverpool, Darwin Nunez, Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Premier League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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