Darwin Nunez has been urged to ‘work harder’ by former Liverpool man Luis Garcia, as he continues to struggle in pre-season.
Nunez played the final half an hour in the Reds’ 4-0 defeat to Manchester United and missed a gilt-edged chance, before struggling to live up to his £85 million price tag in Friday’s friendly against Crystal Palace in Singapore.
The Uruguayan, who arrived from Benfica, was introduced at half-time as Jurgen Klopp essentially fielded two different sides, but was taken off within half an hour after failing to impress in his cameo.
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A compilation of this stint against the Eagles went viral on social media after the game, featuring poor misses and wasteful passing from the 23-year-old starlet.
Garcia, who was a Champions League and FA Cup winner with the Merseyside club between 2004 and 2007, feels the Liverpool faithful shouldn’t be concerned over Nunez as of yet, but has urged the played to do more.
Asked whether supporters should be worried about their new signing, Garcia told ESPN FC:
“No, not at all. What I have realised is that he is going to have to work harder.
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“Liverpool play in a different way to Benfica. He is a player who is very clever; his football intelligence is fantastic."
"But he has to track back, he has to press."
“In the two games against Manchester United and Crystal Palace he has struggled.
“He wants to show that he is going to be ready to play, with the press, with that high pressure that Klopp does with Liverpool.
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“But after three or four runs he was tired. He had a few chances, but I think it was because he was tired.
“He only had three (training) sessions, then into the game with Manchester United. He had ten sessions then faced Crystal Palace, but only played 30 minutes.
“I think his movements, the way that he plays will give (Liverpool) a lot. But they need to wait. He needs to be physically prepared for the new season.”
Nunez netted 34 times in 41 appearances across all competitions last season for Benfica, so the pedigree is there, but he may take time to settle into English football.
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Following their Asia tour, Liverpool are next in action against German side RB Leipzig on Thursday as they step up their preparations for the new season.
Topics: Liverpool, Darwin Nunez