Former Premier League striker and Pundit Darren Bent has praised Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez for his performance in the Community Shield on Saturday.
Nunez only played for 27 minutes after Jurgen Klopp opted for Roberto Firmino in a starting role, but came on to significantly influence the match in the Reds’ favour over Manchester City.
Liverpool took the lead through a vicious effort from Trent Alexander-Arnold, before an Adrian mistake led to Julian Alvarez’s first City goal.
Nunez arrived and shortly played a part in winning a penalty, which Mohamed Salah thrashed home.
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The Uruguayan himself then got on the scoresheet, flicking a header past Ederson before celebrating wildly with the Liverpool fans.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, Bent said he was impressed with how fast the Liverpool player was, as well as his all-round display.
“When he brought on Nunez, oh my goodness, that player, what a guy!"
"People criticised him in pre-season, someone put a montage of his misses in pre-season, but he scored four goals in one half and he showed what he’s all about against Manchester City,” said the former England striker.
“The first through ball, I think it was Diaz he ran away from, I remember thinking phwoar, I didn’t think he was that quick!"
"Ran away from Diaz, and probably should score. The goal that he does score, typical poacher in and around the six-yard box, directing the header, really, really good impact and I think he’ll score goals in the Premier League, I really do.”
As Bent mentioned, many critiqued Nunez for a few poor outings in pre-season before he scored four in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over RB Leipzig.
With this outstanding performance in the season’s curtain raiser, a lot of rival fans on social media will be eating a slice of humble pie.
The 23-year-old will be hoping to continue his form and to get a start over Firmino on the opening day as the Reds face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Topics: Darren Bent, Liverpool, Darwin Nunez
Chris Stonadge