Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool got the job done on Thursday night against Sheffield United despite a nervy second half, and have returned to the top of the Premier League table – picking up a 3-1 win at Anfield.
After both Arsenal and Manchester city picked up wins over Luton Town and Aston Villa in the week, The Reds had to maintain their form and secure another three points in the race for the Premier League title.
Theye did just that, but it was hardly as plain-sailing as many might have imagined. James McAtee missed a sitter inside the first minute, and Conor Bradley’s own goal saw Darwin Nunez‘s opener cancelled out.
Alexis Mac Allister struck the moment of the game, a gorgeous effort into the top corner, before Cody Gakpo made it 3-1 in the last 15 minutes. Owen Hargreaves was stunned by bargain signing Mac Allister.
Kolo Toure comments on Liverpool star Darwin Nunez after goal
While Glenn Hoddle says Liverpool finally have their next Steven Gerrard, in the Argentina World Cup star. But, going under the radar, was another South American in Nunez – with the Uruguay star scoring again.
Not his best goal, but a goal that sums up what kind of striker he is. He charged down Sheffield United goalkeeper Ivo Grbic and blocked his clearance, the block ending up in the back of the Blades net.
That is now 32 goals and assists for Nunez this season – 18 goals and 14 assists in his 44 games. But even so, Kolo Toure – who was a pundit on LFCTV after the game – does not believe he is at his best, just yet.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images“He is a player that never gives up. A hard worker. He’s from Uruguay, they are really tough guys. How many players would just run there? But he threw himself there like he did, and credit to him,” Toure said.
“He’s got unbelievable talent, potential. I don’t think he’s reached his level yet – he will improve year by year. He has speed, power, goals. He needs to be cleaner, more clinical – then he will reach his potential.”
If Darwin Nunez is not at his best yet, he is going to be incredible
This is a striker that is easily going to surpass 20 goals for the season, but could easily reach 20 assists during 2023-24 as well. Incredible numbers. He is first choice for Liverpool right now and that says it all.
Cody Gakpo has been good but Nunez is better and while he does still miss chances, and he might not be as composed as Gakpo in the final third, he makes much more happen – and is much harder working.
If he can start to convert a higher precentage of chances that come his way, he will be one of the world’s best. The most-important thing, as strikers will tell you, is that he is getting the chances to score plenty.
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