Darwin Nunez has all the makings of being a ‘top-class’ signing for Liverpool.
That’s the view of former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson. Speaking to BBC Sport after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Leicester City last night, Robinson praised what he’d seen from Nunez at Anfield.
“Nunez couldn’t hit the target tonight but his interaction with Mo Salah looked better than I’ve seen previously,” insisted the pundit.
“He played Salah in a couple of times. His confidence, his hold-up play, his runs in behind – he looks like he’s going to be a top-class signing for them. I honestly believe that he’s one or two goals from really kicking off the mark.”
Steady signs of improvement, but killer touch needed
This is a good analysis from Robinson. Despite his relative lack of goals, Nunez is improving game on game.
Last night was another step forward as he came a little closer to breaking his three-game duck. That might sound a little condescending to a striker who cost £64m not that long ago, but finishing has pretty much been Darwin’s only problem.
On Friday night, only the inside of the post stopped him from putting Liverpool 2-1 up.
If that represents improvement, then his link-up play with Salah could signal the start of a brilliant new partnership.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
The two have already combined for four goals since the start of the season. At close of play yesterday, that figure should have stood at five.
Darwin’s work to slot Mo in for a one-on-one chance in the second half was absolutely brilliant.
Picking the ball up on the right touchline, it was long before he’d slalomed his way over to the left, taking several defenders with him. As Salah charged into the space Nunez had created, the Uruguayan then reversed a delightful through-ball into his path.
The Egyptian couldn’t apply the finish, as he scuffed a right-footed effort wide of Danny Ward’s post. But still, encouraging signs from Nunez once again. If he can just get that last bit right in-front of goal, he’s going to be a killer.
