Ex-Premier League striker Charlie Austin believes Liverpool new signing Darwin Nunez will be key if the Reds are going to challenge for the title this season.
The Uruguayan joined for an initial £68m fee from Benfica, which could rise to a mammoth £85m - breaking Liverpool’s club transfer record set by Virgil van Dijk.
Austin, who now plys his trade down under with Brisbane Roar, told talkSPORT he believes Liverpool need to start strongly in order to compete with Manchester City throughout the campaign, with Nunez as the spearhead.
“It’s a big ask to replace him (Sadio Mane). Nunez has come into replace him and he’s got to hit the ground running straight away.
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"Liverpool can’t afford to drop points or start slowly compared to Man City."
"They’ve just signed Erling Haaland who’s arguably the best centre-forward in the world at the moment, so it’s going to be interesting.”
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Nunez found the back of the net 34 times in 41 games for Benfica last season and Liverpool will be hoping he shows similar form this upcoming campaign.
Jurgen Klopp was a fan even before he penned the dotted line.
He expressed his excitement at facing him before the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final between Liverpool and Benfica.
"But, yes, he's a good striker. The next one from Uruguay, I don't know how they play together Cavani, Suarez, and him."
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"In one team, that's probably a challenge as well to put that in place. But, it's a top, top boy."
"Yes, the goals he scored, obviously the one against Ajax at Amsterdam was massive, a big one."
"Yes, in the group stage as well. So, he is not shy. He did now not start the last game, he came on at half-time because of coming back from international duty, so we expect him to start tomorrow."
Nunez scored twice in the tie, and the rest is history.
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He heads into the new campaign a Red, hoping to lead Liverpool to more trophies in the future.
Topics: Darwin Nunez, Liverpool
Chris Stonadge