Daniel Sturridge brilliantly explained how Darwin Nunez can improve at Liverpool during a fascinating analysis.
Last summer, Uruguay international Nunez joined Liverpool from Benfica in a deal that could reportedly reach £85 million.
Since his move to Anfield, Nunez has often been criticised after missing a few big chances.
However, the 24-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance this season and his numbers are starting to improve.
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On Sunday, Nunez missed a golden opportunity to give his side the lead but failed to convert from a few yards out. Liverpool ended up drawing 1-1 with Luton after a late goal from Luis Diaz.
During his appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, former Liverpool striker Sturridge explained how Nunez can improve.
He said: “I think he brings an excitement, an aggression in attack in terms of the runs he makes in behind.
“He’s an exciting player to watch and I think he is a defender's nightmare. Of course one of the things that he has to improve on is his finishing and that will come with time. But I think in terms of the type of player he is, he is going to get a lot of opportunities in games based on the runs he makes.”
Sturridge continued: “It's down to him and the coaches. Over time he will be able to improve his finishing. I remember when I was at Chelsea and [Carlo] Ancelotti told me: 'Daniel, here is a DVD of [Filippo] Inzaghi. You don't run in behind often. Watch this DVD.' I remember after that I scored one goal in the Champions League a few weeks later and he was like: 'That's what I'm talking about. You made the run.'
“In terms of Darwin, he needs to be coached, he needs to do training sessions where he is making those runs at pace - and practising particular types of finishes when he's doing it at match tempo. It does seem like he's not being composed and relaxing. He is smashing the leather off the ball sometimes.
“The Newcastle goals are a prime example. He's got that in his locker - whipping it across the goalkeeper on the other side. It's being relaxed and calm. Andy Cole used to say - caress the ball in the back of the net.”
Sturridge then suggested talking to club legends to help him with his finishing.
He said: “You can ask some of the legends. I'm sure [Luis] Suarez would speak to him. Fernando Torres. The phone is open. He's got Ian Rush in Liverpool where he can have conversations and learn about different types of finishes. I analysed so many guys. My finishing could have improved even more. No striker has every tool - but it's about trying to have as many as you can. So when it comes to the moments, you can do damn near any of the finishes you want to do.”
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Topics: Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge, Football
Marcus Chan