Former Liverpool frontman Dean Saunders has revealed his concern regarding the club’s £85 million acquisition of Darwin Núñez.
The Uruguayan has arrived at the Liverpool training ground today ahead of his big move to England. However, Dean Saunders, the outspoken footballer-turned-manager who played for Liverpool 42 times between 1991 and 1992, isn’t convinced Núñez will be a hit in the Premier League.
Saunders, who also played for Benfica, says the transition from the Primeira Liga to the Premier won’t be easy for Núñez. Speaking to TalkSport, he said playing in Portugal is “different to playing in the Premier League” describing the Primeira Liga as “easier.” Saunders believes Núñez won’t get the “easy goals in the Premier League” like he did in Portugal.
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Saunders’ assessment must of course be caveated by the fact that he played football at a very different time. He moved to Benfica during the latter years of his career, when the football in Portugal was of a markedly lower standard. Today, some believe it should be considered as one of the ‘Top Five Leagues.’
However, Saunders’ argument isn’t groundless. While Núñez was indeed prolific in Portugal last year, bagging 26 goals from 28 appearances, the standard of opposition he’ll be facing on a regular basis in the Premier League will be of a much higher quality.
It’ll take some time for the Uruguay international to adjust to the demands of the Premier League at Liverpool.
The 22-year-old’s profile is on his side though. The youngster just looks like a Premier League footballer. He’s got two of the most crucial attributes a top-flight striker can possess in England: pace and power. His ability to perform consistently in the Champions League last season showed that he can score goals against tougher opposition.
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Dean Saunders is right that Liverpool’s signing of Núñez doesn’t come without risk. Signing any player from a foreign league is always somewhat hazardous simply because the Premier League is so unique. However, Jürgen Klopp has had a very good record in the transfer market during his time as Liverpool boss. Reds fans will back their manager with this one despite their former striker’s concerns.
Topics: Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, Benfica, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Primeira Liga