Liverpool are going to have to be at their best to take points from Manchester City tomorrow.
After Arsenal’s win over Brentford this evening, the Reds are no longer sitting top of the Premier League table. The only way to claim back their spot at the summit is to beat City at Anfield.
Thankfully, Liverpool are in fine form and have a great record against the champions on their home patch. They are also able to call on one of the best players in the division right now: Darwin Nunez.
Nunez has scored in each of the past four matches, netting a late winner against Nottingham Forest last time out. And speaking via liverpoolfc.com about the Uruguayan today, Mohamed Salah shared his thoughts on what Darwin brings to Liverpool.
“Kind of a different player,” says the Reds Egyptian King. “We never had that quality before [that] he loves to run in the space. He doesn’t like the ball much in his feet, which is unique [and] he’s really, really fast. He keeps looking at me because he knows I can get him the ball easily in the space and he can finish the situation.
“His numbers this season are improving a lot, which is great for us. I always try to watch him in training and try to watch the other guys, to be fair.”
Salah praises Nunez speed
Undoubtedly one of the things which makes Nunez most dangerous is his electric pace.
Liverpool have had quick forwards over the years. Salah himself was a real livewire in his younger years – and still is – while Sadio Mane was similarly pacy on the opposite flank.
But quick though they were, neither Salah nor Mane could match the sheer speed of Nunez in full flight.
It isn’t just his quickness across the ground which frightens defenders, though. No opposition side want to play against the 24-year-old because he’s always, always in the game.
Pace is one thing, but you’ve got to know when to use it. Nunez does. He’s become smarter in where to press opponents and no longer chases lost causes.
His finishing can at times be erratic but the fact that he’s able to get in positions that few other forwards can means that he’ll usually get another chance.
In terms of the City game, Nunez may actually be the ultimate weapon for Liverpool.
According to Steve McManaman, staff at Anfield have been talking the No.9 up in the lead up to the game. Given the way that City like to dominate the ball and attack, they do often leave spaces at the back. This could be perfect for Nunez to exploit.
Beyond that, you just get the feeling that the former Benfica striker is waiting to go up yet another notch. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Liverpool have a striker who’s going to cause problems for years.
