Pundit issues verdict on Darwin Nunez after Liverpool win
Tony Cascarino believes that Darwin Nunez needs to improve if Liverpool are going to win the Premier League title this season, insisting that he is currently all over the place.
Cascarino was speaking on talkSPORT (10/12; 6:27) after the Reds went to the summit with a dramatic 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool were far from their best against the Eagles. The substitutes had a big impact on the game. And many of those who started struggled against Roy Hodgson’s men.
Tony Cascarino criticises Darwin Nunez after Liverpool win
Darwin Nunez was one of those who had a poor day at the office. The Uruguayan missed a couple of potential chances. And he was guilty of trying to overplay at times when the Reds were around the Palace penalty area.
Nunez has come in for a lot of criticism since his move to the Premier League. Some of it has definitely been unfair. And he has been directly involved in 14 goals in all competitions already this season.
However, Nunez has only scored four times in the Premier League this term. And that includes just one goal since the end of September.
With that, Tony Cascarino believes that Liverpool need the 24-year-old to improve if they are going to be able to now mount a genuine title challenge.
“A few weeks ago, Jurgen Klopp praised him about his running, his ability, just his running and determination to lead the line brilliantly well and he did,” he told talkSPORT.
“He wasn’t doing that yesterday and we just spoke there about Mo Salah and how pivotal he is to Liverpool to get on the end of things and score goals. Darwin Nunez is not doing that.
“If Liverpool are going to have the chance of winning the league, he’s got to turn up. He’s got to be clinical and he’s got to be in the side to prove his worth.
“At the moment, I’m watching Darwin Nunez in the last few games, and his games are all over the place. His touch is off, he’s running into space and getting caught offside all the time.”
Reds’ success could be ominous for rivals
Obviously, at some stage, it is imperative that it all clicks for Nunez and he proves himself. However, he has a record of slightly better than a goal every three games, and a goal contribution every other game for the club.
They are not outstanding numbers. But it is a start, particularly when Liverpool have actually spent so long playing without a natural number nine.
The good news is that the Reds are getting goals from all over the pitch right now. There have been 12 different goalscorers for Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
And they still find themselves top without hitting top gear. Once it really falls into place for the club, they are going to be an unbelievable force again.
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Peter Schmeichel has lauded how good Alisson is at one vs one saves, insisting that he is perfect for the way Liverpool want to play due to his ability to sweep up behind the defence.
Schmeichel was speaking to The Times as he admitted that he is less convinced that the Brazilian is as good with his feet.
Alisson reminded everyone of how good he could be on Saturday as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Reds were not at their best in the first-half. However, Alisson was able to make an incredible save to deny Jefferson Lerma.
Peter Schmeichel praises Alisson
Along with Ederson, Alisson has set the standard in the Premier League over the last few years. And there is no question that he was a game-changing signing for the Reds when he arrived from Roma.
Certainly, Peter Schmeichel is a big admirer of the 31-year-old. He did concede that he is not massively impressed by his footwork. However, he insisted that he is still one of the best around.
“Most people consider Alisson to be one of the best in the world yet he’s first and foremost a goalkeeper. He’s very, very good at one-v-ones and excellent at controlling his box. He isn’t that great with his feet but it’s clear he has a manager who has got his back and won’t drop him if he makes a mistake. That’s the difference between Arteta and Klopp,” he told The Times.
“It’s also clear Alisson suits Liverpool. If you want to press high and take risks by leaving one defender back you need a goalkeeper who can sweep behind and is brilliant at one-v-ones and that’s him.”
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