Expert suggests ‘brilliant sign’ at Liverpool as fresh Darwin Nunez details emerge
Noel Whelan has insisted Darwin Nunez can keep pace with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland despite his mixed start to life at Liverpool.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 23-year-old’s underlying stats and goal tally so far are “brilliant signs” for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Nunez bagged a brace during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday (12 November).
The Uruguay international (five goals) is trailing Kane (12 goals) and Haaland (18 goals) in the race for the Premier League golden boot.
However, Nunez has recorded more expected goals per 90 minutes, more shots per game, and more expected assists per 90 than the pair so far this season (as per FBRef).
The reported £85million arrival has recovered after suffering the ignominy of being sent off for violent conduct against Crystal Palace in August.
When asked if he has seen enough to suggest Nunez can compete with the likes of Kane and Haaland in the future, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Absolutely.
“He’s such an intelligent footballer. He’s got great stature, great movement – he just has to be that little bit more clinical and consistent in front of goal.
“He has already shown what he can do if he’s starting games and gets a run in the side.
“He will cause problems because he can score all kinds of goals.
“He’s also not afraid to be greedy because he trusts his ability – and that’s the same for all of the world’s best strikers.
“I think considering this is his first season within the Premier League, his goal tally is a brilliant sign for Liverpool.
“He’s only going to get better and stronger.”
In other news, pundit claims Mohamed Salah is “to blame” as controversial Liverpool footage is screened on Sky.