Darwin Nunez can still become a real goalscorer for Liverpool, despite a relatively slow start to the season.
That’s according to TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent. Speaking yesterday, Bent claimed that although Nunez is yet to fully catch fire at Anfield, he’s certain that the Uruguayan will still be a success.
“He’s probably got off to a slower start and the headbutt against Crystal Palace won’t help things. But he has shown that he’s super sharp,” said the former England striker.
“He’s only played three games and got a goal so at least he’s hit the ground running. He did score in the Community Shield against Man City [as well], he is a real live wire, but it’s going to take time.
“We’ve seen big strikers who have big reputations in other countries come to the Premier League and struggle. I think he’s in a side that will create chances for him. I think eventually he will start scoring goals, but he just hasn’t got off to the most electric start.”
Nunez playing catch-up already
It’s unfortunate for Nunez that his start at Liverpool was always going to be compared to that of Erling Haaland at Manchester City.
The Norwegian is currently racing away with the Premier League Golden Boot. 10 goals in six games is a ridiculous start by any standards.
But Darwin would likely have been closer to him had he not got himself sent off against Palace. The 23-year-old has had his chances in all three games he’s played so far.
Had he played during Liverpool’s 9-0 romp against Bournemouth, he’d have certainly had plenty more opportunities. Even against Manchester United at Old Trafford, you’d have backed him to cause more trouble for Lisandro Martinez than Roberto Firmino did.
Champions League offers some relief
Liverpool FC
Alas, Nunez couldn’t play in those game through his own reckless behaviour. Instead, the pressure is now on him to score the goals that can light a fire under Liverpool’s season.
He couldn’t do that at Goodison Park on Saturday. Had it not been for a couple of very good saves from Jordan Pickford though, he could easily have been the hero.
The midweek trip to Italy could provide some relief for Nunez in that respect. He was fantastic for Benfica in the Champions League last season.
Those games against the biggest sides seemed to spur him on to take his game to another level. If he can do that once again for Liverpool on Wednesday, it will serve as a reminder that The Reds have a proper striker on their hands. Get it done, Darwin.
