Rio Ferdinand has told Vibe with Five that Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been “undeniably” better than Liverpool counterpart Darwin Nunez.
The Premier League legend said the Gunners star had been a “top” signing, while the Reds ace was described as a “flop so far”.
Jesus has been superb for Arsenal since arriving at the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
The Brazil international has registered five goals and four assists from 11 Premier League outings for the Gunners.
He also has one assist from three appearances in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Nunez has three goals and one assist from seven Premier League appearances.
He has also chipped in with one goal in the Champions League and one in the Community Shield.
It was suggested to Ferdinand that there seems to be a lot of overhyping around Jesus, who hasn’t scored in five games in all competitions.
The £265,000-a-week Arsenal ace has scored the same amount of goals as Nunez, who has come for some criticism for the start he has made at Anfield.
‘A bit like Firmino’
After saying that Jesus has been a “top” signing, Ferdinand said that the Liverpool man had been a “flop, so far.
“But we are going to go on stats,” he continued. “If we are going to go on goals, then you can say they are both much as much this season, in terms of goals.
“But the impact, it’s all about the impact on your team and your teammates. Jesus has undeniably been better than Nunez.
“You gave me an option between top or flop. I’m going to lean on the side of a flop (for Nunez). I don’t think he’s been an outright flop. I’m going to lean on that side.
“What he (Jesus) has done to their team, I think he brings more than goals. I think Arteta would like more than just goals from that number nine.
“A bit like Firmino, when he was flying at Liverpool. When Firmino wasn’t getting 25 goals a season, was Klopp going ‘he’s not for me. I am going to look out for a new striker’?”
Jesus joined Arsenal at a time when the club was crying out for a new No. 9 and he has been exactly what they needed.
In addition, he knows the Premier League inside out, so it’s not surprising he hit the ground running.
Meanwhile, Nunez joined from another league, and in wake of Sadio Mane’s departure, which has been a huge blow to Liverpool.
In addition, he has regularly been held to comparison with Erling Haaland, who has been nothing short of staggering.
Both Jesus and Nunez are top players, and while the latter has needed a little more time to get up to scratch, he’ll no doubt have a big impact at Anfield.