Featured Image Credit: BT Sport
Topics: Liverpool, Darwin Nunez, Thiago Alcantara, Champions League, Rangers
Daniel Marland
Topics: Liverpool, Darwin Nunez, Thiago Alcantara, Champions League, Rangers
Liverpool duo Thiago and Darwin Nunez are forming a special relationship, with their embrace following Tuesday's 2-0 win over Rangers summing it up perfectly.
The Reds made it back-to-back victories in Champions League Group A thanks to a goal in each half from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.
Nunez started the game up front after being benched for Saturday's 3-3 draw with Brighton, testing Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor on several occasions.
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He didn't manage to get on the scoresheet before being replaced by James Milner with 10 minutes remaining.
At full-time, the 23-year-old immediately found veteran midfielder Thiago to celebrate their performance.
Thiago let out a wry smile as Nunez poured his heart out and gave his teammate a playful slap on the face.
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Nunez joined Liverpool from Benfica in the summer transfer window for £64 million, which could rise to £85 million due to add-ons.
There's pressure on the Uruguay international to perform, but his only goal so far came in an opening day 2-2 draw against Fulham.
In pre-season, Thiago translated manager Jurgen Klopp's training sessions for Nunez as the pair both speak Spanish.
He's taken the responsibility of being Nunez's mentor off the pitch, which fans on social media adore.
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One person said: "Thiago has supported Nunez so much since he arrived."
Another put: "I love Thiago. This guy loves every player so much and supports them like crazy."
A third commented: "Proper leadership material."
While someone tweeted: "Love these two together."
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Klopp ditched his usual 4-2-3-1 formation against Rangers, instead opting for a 4-4-2 to get the most out of his attacking players.
Nunez was the focal point and looked impressive despite not getting on the scoresheet.
Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz were at their electric best out wide and had space to run at Rangers' full-backs.
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Diogo Jota then slotted behind Nunez to complete the quartet, which became a 4-2-2-2 at times.
Liverpool took the lead inside seven minutes through an Alexander-Arnold free-kick won by Nunez.
The right-back has been criticised for his performances this term but looked back to his best.
Salah doubled the home side's lead early in the second half from the penalty spot after Diaz went down inside the area.
The Egypt international stepped up and fired past McGregor to seal all three points.