Tim Cahill has named Arnaut Danjuma his Man of the Match for UEFA.com following the Liverpool transfer target delivering an instrumental display as Villarreal beat Atalanta.
The La Liga outfit visited the Bergamo natives on Thursday after snow forced UEFA to delay their Group F tie. La Dea were due to host Villarreal on Wednesday in a crucial group stage fixture, with both sides competing to finish the round as runners-up to Manchester United.
Villarreal only had to avoid defeat to reach the last 16, but a Danjuma double either side of an Etienne Capoue hit sealed El Submarino Amarillo’s win, despite two late Atalanta goals.
Danjuma struck his first of the night inside just the third-minute to break the deadlock for Unai Emery’s side. The winger slotted the ball home through the legs of Juan Musso after racing on to Dani Parejo’s pass, before a smart turn led to his brace in the 51st-minute.
The former Bournemouth dynamo has now scored nine goals and provided three assists in 18 appearances so far this season. He left the Cherries after two-years in August for £21m.
But Danjuma also impressed Cahill with how the 24-year-old influenced Villarreal’s win at Atalanta beyond his two decisive goals.
“Two quality goals and good composure under pressure,” Cahill said. “He held up the ball well in one-on-one situations to relieve pressure, but also created chances for teammates. Overall, [he] led the line well.”
Liverpool may regret passing on summer transfer for Villarreal star Danjuma
Danjuma’s double as Villarreal beat Atalanta showed Liverpool why they have considered a transfer for the Dutchman. Voetbal International reported in September that the Reds scouted him against Manchester United as they search for Sadio Mane’s successor.
Additionally, Marca reported in August that Liverpool considered signing Danjuma before he completed a transfer to Villarreal. They may now regret not raiding Bournemouth then.
That’s because Fabrizio Romano last month ruled out Villarreal selling Danjuma during the January transfer window, no matter how much Liverpool ‘love’ the five-cap Dutch dynamo.
Danjuma’s double will only strengthen El Submarino Amarillo’s reluctance to lose him, at least not for a big profit. He delivered a total display in Bergamo while occupying a centre-forward role, striding with determination and making Emery’s attack click.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
