Gus Poyet has urged Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez to ‘relax’ and he will become the number nine for Uruguay for ‘many, many years’, as he told Stadium Astro.
Uruguay were knocked out at the group stages of the Qatar World Cup with Nunez failing to get a goal, as Poyet added that people don’t realise just how quick he is and he proved that in the Middle East.
The spotlight of moving to Liverpool as a big-money transfer, walking in as Sadio Mane headed for the exit door, also with Erling Haaland moving to Manchester City, just put extra pressure on Nunez.
Added to that, his early red card against Fulham didn’t help matters, but in the overall picture, he has made a pretty promising start on Merseyside.
Poyet has seen Nunez’s rise over the years and he made it clear that he simply won’t change his mind regarding what he thinks of the 23-year-old.
“I say yes (he will be a world-beater) when he signed for Liverpool,” said Poyet. “I am not going to change my words.
“But I want him to come now at Liverpool. Just play. You are strong. You are quick. You don’t imagine how quick he is.
“Look at the results of the quickest players at the World Cup. He is one of the top. He can score goals in any manner. But he needs to relax and be himself.
“And not be what the press wants you to be and how you are going to answer things. He was an outstanding player in Portugal and before with Almeria in Spain. He is playing for a top team. He will get balls. Just play and relax, then he will be the number nine of Uruguay for many, many years.”
NUNEZ LOOKING FOR CONSISTENCY
Jurgen Klopp has had to deal with his fair share of injuries this season, especially in the forward areas and the recent setback to Luis Diaz.
Given that Diogo Jota is also on the sidelines, then that makes the likes of Nunez even more important upon Liverpool’s return to action on Boxing Day.
The best thing about the summer signing is that the two most important faces – Mo Salah and Bobby Firmino – didn’t go to the World Cup, so they will be ready as ever.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
