Rio Ferdinand an Michael Owen have told BT Sport that Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez does not look like a player in form and have criticised him for looking untidy in the final third – despite his goal against Rangers at Ibrox in a 7-1 win.
Nunez, 23, was handed a start against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side on Wednesday night. It comes after Nunez got his third goal in Liverpool colours against Arsenal on Sunday. He took his tally to four at Ibrox, getting Liverpool’s third.
Rangers took the lead through Scott Arfield. But, Roberto Firmino equalised soon after – and then, the Brazilian made it 2-1 in the second half. His gorgeous assist for Nunez saw the Uruguayan swipe the ball home, and was then subbed.
Mo Salah’s quick-fire goals in the space of six minutes took Liverpool to six, before Harvey Elliot got a seventh. The Reds looked as if they were back to their fluent best. But Owen and Ferdinand are yet to be convinced by Nunez.
“Nunez’s goal, it was important. But I thought he was quite ragged, I love his movement – a real trier, galloping runs. But end product is lacking,” Owen said. Ferdinand added: “He is snatching, nothing looks clean. But a very good finish.”
Ferdinand and Owen have criticised Liverpool striker Nunez
If Nunez is not yet firing on all cylinders, he is still scoring goals – and that can hardly be criticised. His goal to put the Reds 3-1 up was full of class – so clinical. Firmino’s assist, but Nunez’s calmness to pass past Allan McGregor, too.
Incredible. If he continues to nab a goal a game, his confidence is going to go up. He will start to believe he is good enough to lead the line for Liverpool. He might not believe that after the start he has had, but he will do soon.
