English Premier League
“Nunez has got something” -Ferdinand compares Liverpool striker Nunez with Man Utd flop
“Nunez has got something” -Ferdinand compares Liverpool striker Nunez with Man Utd flop
Rio Ferdinand says “we have to be careful” with how people are speaking about Darwin Nunez following his inconsistent start to life at Liverpool.
Nunez, 23, moved to Liverpool from Benfica during the summer transfer window. The deal, which may have cost as much as £85 million with potential add-ons, could end up being the most expensive in club history.
The Uruguayan international has drawn attention with his spirited displays up front for Jurgen Klopp’s team, but he has also come under fire for wasting opportunities.
This season, he has attempted 52 shots on goal in the Premier League, but just five of them have resulted in goals.
Meanwhile, he has missed more big chances (14) than any other player in the league.
Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand says Nunez “has got something” and believes he could turn out to be a major success.
Speaking on Vibe with Five, Ferdinand compared Nunez with his fellow Uruguayan, Diego Forlan, who struggled at United before becoming one of the best strikers in European football after leaving Old Trafford.
“We have to be careful when we talk about people like this,” said Ferdinand.
“Do you remember, Diego Forlan? He couldn’t hit a barn door at Old Trafford.
We have to be careful when we talk about people like this,” said Ferdinand. “Do you remember, Diego Forlan? He couldn’t hit a barn door at Old Trafford.
“He scored against the Scousers. But he couldn’t hit a barn door. He goes away and I think he wins the European Golden Boot. I think once or maybe twice. He becomes a great player. A great player for Uruguay and the various clubs he represented.
“I think Nunez has got something. What I like about him is that he is getting the chances. I would be more concerned if he wasn’t getting the chances. He’s a young player. He is growing into the game. It’s a new league. I think there is more to come from him.”
Nunez’s struggles in front of goal have been compared by Liverpool manager Klopp to those of Robert Lewandowski in his formative years at Borussia Dortmund.
Following Friday’s 2-1 victory over Leicester, in which Nunez contributed to the game-winning own goal by Foxes defender Wout Faes, the Reds manager was all praise for the striker.
“It was a brilliant performance tonight,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“People look at stats and whatever but the goal, which was an own goal, in the end, was a clear improvement on recent situations, he chipped the ball really good.
“Other moments were also really good. He took out three players with one move before passing to Mohamed Salah. It was really special and I am really happy with that.”
Nunez has managed nine goals and three assists in all competitions this season.
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