Liverpool took a risk through signing Darwin Núñez from Benfica for up to £85 million, but manager Jürgen Klopp is happy with the Uruguayan’s start to life with the Reds.
Off the back of a few disappointing pre-season displays against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, a few Liverpool fans had raised concerns over Núñez.
However, he insisted on social media that he would show resilience, and he delivered on that promise in Liverpool’s third pre-season friendly.
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The Reds took on RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena on Thursday night and registered an emphatic 5-0 victory.
And the man who terrorised the Leipzig defence most was Darwin Núñez.
He scored 4 out of the 5 Liverpool goals on the night. Mo Salah, of course, was the other goal scorer for the Reds.
Speaking after the game, Jürgen Klopp commented that “Pandoras box was opened” for Núñez.
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It was “the perfect night for” the Uruguayan in Klopp’s eyes.
The German continued, “we always think if you pay a lot of money then the players feel no pressure but they are completely normal human beings!”
Klopp raises a strong point. Núñez arrives from a league of lesser quality and at some price. He’s also been handed the ominous task of replacing Sadio Mané.
But now he’s opened his Liverpool account, the goals could very well start flowing for the 23-year-old.
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His first came from the penalty spot, fiercely striking the ball into the left of the goal.
He then found himself through on goal for his second just a few minutes later as he powered the ball into the far corner with an impressive right-footed finish.
He completed his hat-trick with a typical poacher’s finish after a Harvey Elliott cross before being played through again, opening his body, and tucking another one away for good measure.
Again, the same caveat must be applied to Núñez’s strong performances that were applied to his weaker ones - it’s only pre-season.
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But the signs are strong, and the Uruguay international will be feeling much more confident.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, RB Leipzig