It seems as if ever since Darwin Nunez officially became a Liverpool player, he has had a target on his back.
Despite registering a staggering 34 goals and four assists in all competitions for Benfica whilst impressing in the Champions League last season, a whole host of critics had already deemed him as an inevitable flop.
Viral clips of the Uruguayan international’s mishaps in pre-season were relentlessly shared, as he was baselessly vilified across social media even before the 2022/2023 campaign kicked into gear.
Much of the same degree of slander has continued into the season, as Nunez has been made into a laughing stock by his endless list of detractors for no rhyme or reason.
However, the 23-year old’s stellar showing in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur made a mockery of the incessant vitriol aimed towards him.
While a majority of traditional strikers would look out of their depth in an unfamiliar left-wing role, the same cannot be said for Nunez, who was arguably the Reds’ ultimate difference maker on Sunday night.
The Uruguayan marksman was a handful for Eric Dier to tame from minute one, as the impeccable timing of his runs in behind coupled with his searing pace made him a constant outball for Andy Robertson.
In the 11th minute, Darwin Nunez’s excellent movement was rewarded, as he latched onto yet another pass courtesy of Robertson, before setting up Mohamed Salah’s well-taken opener.
Despite the ex-Almeria forward’s decision-making often being a point of criticism, his awareness to spot Salah inside the box amidst a sea of Tottenham shirts was nothing short of world-class.
While Nunez has often been boxed in as a rather limited player, there are not many more well-rounded performances one has witnessed from a forward in the Premier League so far this term.
Perhaps the most impressive facet about the £64 million (The Mirror) man’s showing was how he created chances for himself out of thin air.
For instance, as early as in the 3rd minute, the lanky frontman’s venomous volley forced Hugo Lloris into action, as his incredible ability to play off the shoulder combined with his stellar ballstriking made him an instant threat during the start of proceedings.
In the dying embers of the clash as well, Nunez was inches away from settling the tie, as his thunderous weak-footed strike caught Spurs by surprise as he managed to rattle the crossbar.
The numbers certainly do not lie, as the out-of-position forward registered as many as four shots on the night.
Despite his technique constantly being sneered at by fans and pundits alike, Darwin Nunez’s passing and first touch were largely superb against Spurs.
While the Reds’ No.27 would have ideally liked to get on the scoresheet, he showcased a different side to his game as a creator and that too, in unchartered territory, which made his showing all the more applause-worthy.
This is not to suggest that all the stick Darwin Nunez has been on the receiving end on has been uncalled for.
Instead, it is key to understand that while there is room for improvement in his game, there are also a whole host of positives in his locker that fail to see the light of day amidst public discourse.
In his first season in a declining Liverpool side, the flawed, yet indisputably effective Darwin Nunez has exhibited reasons to be optimistic about his future in England, and most certainly did against Antonio Conte’s side as there is so much more to come from him.
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