Liverpool earned three massive points after a 3-0 thrashing over Bournemouth yesterday. Uruguayan striker, Darwin Nunez, was handed his first start under Arne Slot. The 25 year-old did not disappoint as he picked up his first goal of the season in a stunning fashion.
When he was signed from Benfica, the fans deemed him to fill the void Luis Suarez left. However, the youngster has struggled to make that impression at Anfield. He has shown glimpses of his talent, but he makes the easy things look hard and hard things look easy.
Nunez had been a significant contributor for the Reds’ last season, but the amount of big chances he has missed is quite astonishing. He was heavily trolled last season for his inconsistency and the Liverpool fans were mocked for comparing him with Man City’s Erling Haaland, when both the strikers arrived in the Premier League.
Nunez had a brilliant Copa America with Uruguay in the summer, reaching the semi-final while contributing with goals and assists. The fans were optimistic to see him continue the same form at the club level. However, he failed to impress new boss, Arne Slot, and had been a substitute player in all of their opening fixtures.
Given the chance against the Cherries’, he hit a brilliant strike which Kepa could not keep out. However, he missed few key chances, raising similar concerns over his consistency.
Liverpool boss left stunned by Nunez’s goal
Liverpool boss, Arne Slot, was impressed with Darwin Nunez’s stunning goal against Bournemouth. The Dutch manager gave the 25 year-old his first start this season, and he did not disappoint at all.
Although, he has been inconsistent throughout his Liverpool career, the manager hopes that this goal will boost his confidence and help him stay focused and consistent.
The manager spoke to the BBC following the game about his reaction to that beauty strike from Nunez. He says;
“My first instinct when he shot was, ‘why does he shoot?’. I would have said, ‘why don’t you keep on dribbling?’. He made the ball free and I think the defender was on the ground.“
“But then it was a fraction of a second later when I saw the ball go in off the post. Then I was like, ‘OK, maybe you are a better football player than I was in the past.”
The manager also praised the striker’s work rate throughout the game. He praised Nunez for contributing in defending, helping the Reds’ register a clean sheet. He says;
“Of course, I play a striker because I like him to score goals – but it also helps if you keep a clean sheet. [In] keeping a clean sheet, Darwin was also involved.”
Luis Suarez reacts to the wonder goal
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez opened his goal scoring account against Bournemouth and he was very emotional after the ball went crossed the goal line.
Former Barcelona and Liverpool legend Luis Suarez has sent a supportive reaction to Nunez following his brilliant performance against Bournemouth.
The Uruguayan has faced a lot of criticism for being inconsistent and sub-par at times. Certain fans drew comparisons of him with Suarez when he was signed, increasing the pressure on the young man’s shoulders.
However, he silenced his critics and showed the world that he can redeem his career at Anfield and showed glimpses of what he can become. The win was crucial as it propelled the Reds back to the top of the table.
Luis Suarez was the first Uruguayan player in the club’s history, scoring 69 goals and providing 29 assists in just 110 appearances. He has the streets at Merseyside, because of his everlasting impact in the hearts of the supporters.
The hero of Liverpool showed his support for his compatriot. He posted a clapping emoji to a post from the official club X account showing the forward celebrating. It was a stunning effort from Nunez.
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