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Topics: Liverpool, Darwin Nunez
Chris Stonadge
Former Ireland striker Andy Townsend has backed Liverpool's Darwin Nunez to prove doubters wrong this campaign after a poor first few outings for Klopp's side
Nunez has played two friendlies and is yet to score, which has led to mass criticism on social media.
The Uruguayan was integral to Benfica last term, scoring 34 goals in all competitions including two against Liverpool, and against Erik ten Hag’s Ajax, to knock them out of the Champions League.
When asked whether he thinks Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus will score more than Nunez next season, TalkSPORT pundit Townsend said the Liverpool player could shock everyone.
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“I wouldn’t. (say Jesus will score more). At the moment Liverpool are a better team than Arsenal, they create more chances than Arsenal."
"If Darwin Nunez gets off to a good start early on, I think he could surprise you in that respect,” said the pundit, who featured for Chelsea during his career.
“I’m fascinated by Darwin Nunez, I watched him a few times last season, haven’t seen copious amounts of him, far from it. "But I do think he’ll get more chances playing in a Liverpool team than Gabriel Jesus might get in an Arsenal team."
“I’m tempted to go (Raheem) Sterling and/or Nunez to score more than him (Jesus).”
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It’s certainly a good endorsement from the former forward, and it is quite unbelievable the amount of criticism he has received during pre-season.
Nunez arrived as the Reds’ potential record signing this window with significant pressure piled on to the 23-year-old.
He did respond on social media which may implore that the criticism is getting to him, but with the simple response of ‘Resilencia’, it is clear he is focused for the campaign ahead.
As for Gabriel Jesus, the Brazilian’s arrival at Arsenal has caused quite the stir and he has hit the ground running in pre-season.
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He will be a key cog for Mikel Arteta’s side in their challenge for the Champions League places this campaign.