Liverpool continues to see the results of its significant investment in Darwin Núñez and Alexis Mac Allister.
The South American duo again linked up to devastating effect as the Reds comfortably beat Sparta Prague in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie. After a frantic first half, Núñez scored a well-taken brace to ensure Jürgen Klopp’s team took charge of the tie.
His second goal came just before half-time and was the result of a delightful through ball over the top from Mac Allister. Núñez showcased his pace to beat the Prague defender to the ball before tracking its flight perfectly to fire a powerful and precise half-volley beyond the goalkeeper.
It’s no secret that Núñez has all the physical attributes to stretch opposing defenses. Even Lionel Messi made that clear after Núñez scored against Argentina earlier this season.
“Uruguay is good at rebounding and playing in space on the counterattack,” Messi told TyC Sports. “They have excellent players for that like Darwin.”
On that occasion, Núñez utilised his skillset to end Argentina’s 14-match winning run. That meant getting one over on Mac Allister, but there are clearly no hard feelings.
The Argentinian midfielder is now demonstrating time and time again how he can bring the best out of Núñez. The link-up between the number 10 and the Reds striker has so far proved a match made in heaven and their latest devastating moment against Sparta Prague proved it.
Both players cost the club a fair amount in the transfer market. Mac Allister came in for a £35m ($45m) transfer fee, while the Núñez deal in particular raised eyebrows with a £64.1m ($82m) initial cost, potentially rising to a club-record fee of £85m ($110m) with add-ons. However, the two are now proving the initial £99.1m ($127m) outlay, potentially rising, was money well spent as their on-pitch link-up continues to generate rewards.
Ahead of the game, Mac Allister discussed the connection between the pair. And while he did not want to take any credit for the goalscoring form of his teammate, he’s delighted with how their on-pitch relationship has developed.
“My relationship with Darwin is very good, of course,” he said. “I think since the first time we met you could see the connection between us off the pitch.
“Then, on the pitch, of course we try to be connected. When I play as a number eight of course, that connection has to be important.
“He is an amazing guy, he is doing very well and he works very hard. That is why I am very happy for him.
“Sometimes I hear people say I help him a lot but that is not true! His level is because he trains very well, he works very hard and that’s why he is scoring goals and why he is important for this team.”
While Mac Allister doesn’t want to take credit, there’s no doubt his linkup with Núñez is quickly becoming one of Liverpool’s most dangerous weapons, particularly while talisman Mohamed Salah has been on the sidelines with injury. Entering the most important stage of the season, the Reds will hope it continues and can fire the team to more trophies.