Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez continued his impressive run of form putting in a great shift for Uruguay. Marcelo Bielsa’s side were off to a winning start securing a 3-1 victory over Panama in their opening fixture of the Copa America.
Uruguay are one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy alongside Argentina and Brazil. Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez will be key for Uruguay throughout the competition. However, not all was great for Uruguay as they were wasteful in front of goal. Moreover, Nunez would also go on to miss 2 big chances for his side. One cannot overstate the importance of being clinical in a knockout tournament. If Uruguay are to go all the way, they will have to show more composure in front of goal.
Regardless, eventually Nunez would go on to find the net in the 85th minute doubling Uruguay’s advantage. Additionally, this was Nunez’s first ever goal in the Copa America.
The 25-year old will be hoping to carry forward the legacy of Uruguay’s lethal duo Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. While Cavani isn’t a part of the Uruguayan squad, Suarez will be accompanying the Liverpool man. Nunez recently gave back Suarez his #9 jersey and took the #19 as a show of respect to the legendary striker.
Darwin Nunez: From rising at Liverpool to shining for Uruguay!
The 25-year old began his senior career with Penarol in the Uruguayan Primera Division in 2017. He would go on to play there until 2019. Followingly, Nunez moved to Almeira in the Segunda Division. Subsequently, the forward scored 16 goals in 32 appearances in his only season with Almeira.
Thereafter, Benfica bought Nunez for €24 million in 2020. Despite suffering injury, the forward managed to bag 48 goals in 85 appearances for the Portuguese side. Nunez’s stellar performances at Benfica attracted many top clubs other than Liverpool. Manchester United and Newcastle were also considering to make a move for the 25-year old forward. However, Liverpool won the race for the striker paying up to £85 million including add-ons.
Since his arrival at Anfield, the striker has shown glimpses of greatness. But, he remains wasteful in front of goal. He has managed to score 33 goals in 96 appearances for the Reds so far. His pace and attacking instinct often lands him in great positions but his finishing lets him down. If Nunez manages to better his finishing, undoubtedly, he will be one of the world’s best striker.
Despite missing chances, Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has managed to stay consistent for Uruguay. He has scored 8 times in his previous 9 games for his national side. Moreover, the 25-year old has 10 G/A in his last 6 games for Uruguay. As of now, the forward has won 24 national caps and already scored 12 goals for his country.
Darwin Nunez: “You should never give up”!
Media around the world was quick to praise the 25-year old striker for his performance against Panama. Furthermore, he was also rated 8/10 by a media outlet for his performance.
However, all would notice the same thing how Nunez was wasteful in front of goal. Despite finding the net regularly for his national side, his lack of finishing ability may prove costly for Uruguay in the latter stages of the competition.
Although, Nunez’s positive attitude will surely be a source of relief for his fans. The striker said in an interview:
“I’m going to make 5 or 10 mistakes, but I’m going to try 11 times. You should never give up, otherwise nothing will ever come of it.”
Uruguay will face Bolivia and USA in their upcoming group stage fixtures. Darwin Nunez will be an integral part as Uruguay shall look forward to progress through the competition.
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