Roberto Firmino has revealed how important he believes Darwin Nunez will be for Liverpool this season.
Nunez arrived from Benfica this summer for up to £85 million to replace Sadio Mane in the Reds’ squad, as the Senegal international joined Bayern Munich.
Despite netting on his debut against Manchester City in the Community Shield and then again against Fulham in his first Premier League appearance, the Uruguayan has come into criticism of late after being sent off for headbutting Joachim Andersen in mid August.
The 23-year-old returned from his three-match ban to face Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday, and many lamented his display as the game finished goalless.
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However, Roberto Firmino believes that Nunez will still be pivotal in Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware this season.
Speaking via Football Daily, the Brazilian said: “Darwin is a good friend, I think he’ll help us a lot."
"Obviously there’s always going to be competition in every position, we’re a team and what counts is what’s best for Liverpool, getting the three points and helping the team."
“In any case it comes down to the coach’s decision and I’m always going to give my all so I can stand a better chance of playing.”
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Firmino arrived at Anfield in 2015 from Hoffenheim for £29 million, and similarly to Nunez, faced criticism for some of his initial displays in a red shirt.
However, the now 30-year-old settled in the North West and managed to establish himself as a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Over the last seven years, he’s made 333 appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring 101 goals.
Nunez will be hoping for a similar trajectory to Firmino, and he arrives with pedigree, having netted 34 times in 41 appearances for Benfica last season.
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Klopp will need the young forward to start bringing some of that form from the previous campaign, as Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign run tonight against Napoli.
Topics: Roberto Firmino, Liverpool
Alfie Culshaw