Darwin Nunez - Number 9, First Class
In recent days, Liverpool have been heavily linked to SL Benfica striker, Darwin Nunez. As the days go by, the deal seems to get closer and closer and feels like it’s only a matter of days before the deal is done. The fee is expected to be around £80M (incluidng add ons) which would mean he is Liverpool’s record breaking transfer.
Big money for big players.
Starting of with the stats, he has picked up 32 goals and 4 assists across 30 games in the Liga NOS Portugal and the UCL. He averages almost 3 shots a game, causing a lot of trouble for goal keepers and is amazing at getting into the right shootin positions. He is a all out striker and is the perfect number 9. What I like about him is he demonstrates some traits of a world class, old school striker but alos perefectly blends them into his own unique style. There isn’t many other strikers in the world like him, one of many reasons I think he will thrive under Klopp.
From watchin a mix of his performances, I can see a lot of strengths he has and that can even be devloped into making him even better. He likes to make a of key passes in the final third and helps progress play a lot, this completely going against the strnage assumption that the media and public seem to have on him is that he can’t make passes. Although he might not be the best of most accurate passer on the ball, he always seems to play the right pass to help create a better attack for his team. Wtih many other progressive and creative Liverpool players around him, this should be a perfect trait to have and fit into the Klopp side.
Another strong trait of is his dribbling. 6’2ft and a good dribbler? Surprising isn’t it. He is very good at making the most out of his body type and strength to create sensational pieces of dribbling play. Not many strikers with his height and body type seem to do it well enough, but I see something very unique about him. His footwork is very good, despite not having the best touch, he can use his strength and pace to beat a man so well and leave them behind. Causing a lot of trouble for defenders who think they can take him on.
Obviously, without even having to say it, his finishing technique is world class. 32 goals at the age of 22 doesn’t lie, it’s very easy to see that this man is a high level, natural goal scorer. This is something we haven’t regualry seen in Klopp’s system with Liverpool which has caused a lot of confusion. Liverpool usually set up with the wingers scoring most of the goals, and the centre forwards role is to create and have a good work rate, possibly getting involved with the goals every now and then. However, I believe that Klopp’s system is going to go through a little tweak and allows Nunez to fit into the team perfectly, playing to his strengths but also blending it for others. I also like the work rates that Nunez works at. He triggers a lot of press and uses his pace and physical abilty to get at defenders and cause even more trouble. Dangerous.
He is a very versatile goal scorer, he looks to be good with both feet and his right foot being the most lethal. I’ve seen him score 30 yard screamers and also smart goals where he’s made great runs through the box showing his natural striker inetlligence and tapping in a goal. He is very good in the air, out jumping defenderes taller than him and generating a lot power.
Imagine Trent crosses into Nunez - poetic.
Overall, I see a lot world class traits in Nunez and some that can be definitley imporved. Klopp has a great reputation of getting the best out of individuals, and with Nunez only being 22, it can’t go wrong.
Im investing heavily into this Nunez hype, signings like this make me feel like a little kid again - I can’t wait.
- J