Gary Neville stated that Darwin Nunez looks ‘scruffy in his work’ after watching him in action during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The former right-back thinks Nunez can learn from someone like Mohamed Salah and ‘how cold’ his Liverpool teammate is when he is taking touches in and around the penalty area.
That was proven for both of Salah’s goals yesterday, his first saw him take a brilliant first touch, before firing in a brilliant effort into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
Before the Egypt international punished Eric Dier just before the break when he pounced on his poor header to take an outstanding first touch, then he composed himself and lifted the ball over the on-rushing Hugo Lloris.
Whilst the 30-year-old does everything like he is cool, calm and composed, it’s not the same for Liverpool’s summer signing, who is a little rough around the edges.
That was touched upon by Neville, whilst on commentary duty for Sky Sports Premier League during Liverpool’s win over Spurs, and how when he watches Nunez on the ball, he is still very much ‘raw’.
“Nunez sloppy again,” said Neville. “He is raw the Liverpool man.
The former Manchester United man added later on in the game: “He’s just scruffy in his work, isn’t he, Nunez, when you watch him.
Neville then advised Nunez to take a leaf out of Salah’s book: “When you look at Nunez, who is a lot younger, he should take a lot from Salah. How cold Salah is and how composed he is with his touches in and around the penalty area. He just needs to add that to his game.”
ENCOURAGING START FROM NUNEZ
There is still a long way to go for Nunez and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he comes into his own next season, rather than this current campaign.
It has been an encouraging start from the player, nonetheless, on either side of his red card, he has seven goals and two assists in all competitions.
If that’s the Uruguay international being raw, then as soon as he starts to get some heat to his game, then he will seriously start to motor, especially under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp, who has proven he can take the game of raw talents to the next level.
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