Chris Sutton knows exactly what it takes to score goals in the English top-flight, so his verdict on who will bag more between Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez is an interesting one.
Two of European football's most highly sought after strikers are expected to play their football in the Premier League next term, as though Haaland's switch to Manchester City has been confirmed there are still some minor details to finalise with Nunez's move to Liverpool.
The arrival of both is likely to take what has already long been an enthralling rivalry between two of the finest sides on the planet to the next level. Confirmation of Haaland's deal with Pep Guardiola's City side led many to cease hope on any other team winning the Premier League anytime soon.
However, news of Nunez being on the brink of sealing his move to Anfield has inspired some to backtrack on that assessment given the phenomenal talent of the young Uruguay international.
Analysing their form from last season alone, it is incredibly difficult to separate the pair. While Nunez actually had more goals to his name, Haaland was forced to contend with recurring injury problems that meant he played less games than his future rival striker.
Plying his trade for Portuguese giants Benfica, Nunez notched 26 goals in 28 league games. In comparison, Haaland boasted an identical goal ratio with 22 goals in 24 Bundesliga outings for Borussia Dortmund.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who will prove to be a better signing - Haaland or Nunez? Comment below
It is for that reason some feel City may have actually enjoyed the better deal. The Reds are expected to have forked out £85million by the time the Nunez deal is finalised, in a move that could still rise to around the £100m-mark with potential add-ons.
In contrast, Haaland has cost City a relatively low £51m fee due to his Dortmund release clause. Pressed for comment as to who he thinks will end next season with more strikes to their name, Sutton was in little doubt.
“I think Haaland is the real deal," the ex-Blackburn star explained. "I think Nunez is good. But Haaland, he is unplayable." High praise from the former Premier League winner, who clearly thinks City now have the upper-hand before a ball has even been kicked.
That is not to suggest that Sutton doesn't think Liverpool will soon have quite the player on their hands themselves. The former Chelsea striker went on to praise the Primeira Liga talent as well.
"It’s an interesting one with Haaland signing for Manchester City,” he added. "I like him (Nunez), saw him in the Champions League. He’s a good centre-forward and good in the air.
"Liverpool may have lacked a central striker that’s good in the air. Finishes off well with both feet. Likes to come off that left-hand side. I think they have signed a really good player."
After his move had been announced, Haaland opted to simply revel in the excitement that comes with joining a new club rather than revealing any goal-scoring targets he may harbour.
The Norway international explained how he has long had affection for City, helped by the fact his father Alf-Inge also played for the club when their newest recruit had just been born.
"I've been a couple of times before, watching games," Haaland admitted. "I like it, it's beautiful, I like the colour. I played there, a big huge stadium, and I'm looking forward to playing there [with City]."
