Nicolas Jackson vs Darwin Nunez: Neville's comparison is WRONG

Cameron Smith

13 Sept 2024 22:00 BST
3 min read

Nicolas Jackson has officially signed a new nine-year contract at Chelsea, keeping him at the club until 2033.

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The Senegal international joined the club from Villarreal last summer and his €37 million transfer fee already looks like a complete bargain.

Jackson isn’t the finished product, though, and Chelsea’s failed summer pursuit of Victor Osimhen is proof that the club would still like to sign a new number nine.

OFFICIAL: Nicolas Jackson signs new NINE-YEAR Chelsea deal

However, Jackson has certainly enjoyed an upward trajectory since moving to Stamford Bridge and comparisons with Darwin Nunez now feel slightly unfair.

The pair were first compared by Gary Neville in August last year, with the Manchester United legend telling Sky Sports after Jackson’s performance versus Luton: “Is there a similarity to how Nunez was at Liverpool last season?

“There was a lot of running, a handful, a lot of runs out into the channels, harassing people but then just a little bit scruffy in that final part of the game.”

At the time, the comparison was spot on. Both players had shown glimpses of real talent, but neither had managed to become a consistent force in the penalty area.

One year later, Jackson has certainly improved, while Nunez has stagnated and can’t get a look in at Liverpool.

Nicolas Jackson vs Darwin Nunez

Jackson ended his debut campaign at Chelsea with 17 goals in all competitions and although he was ridiculed for several high-profile misses, his all-round game was exceptional.

This season, the Senegalese forward already has two goals and one assist in three Premier League matches, while his play outside the penalty area remains top notch.

Current ETV

Nicolas Jackson

F (C)

Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson

F (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€35.2M - €58.6M

Nunez, by comparison, is still erratic in almost all facets of the game and he is evidently second-choice behind Diogo Jota at Anfield.

The Uruguayan has failed to score in each of his last 10 Premier League appearances, and his last goal against a ‘big-six’ team was versus Manchester United back in March 2023.

He clearly has potential, but Nunez doesn’t appear to have improved since joining Liverpool, while Jackson has developed nicely during his time at Chelsea.

As a result, as things stand, Neville’s comparison of the two now feels extremely harsh on Jackson.