- The Reds survived the latest attack to reach nine points from three in the Champions League
- Ferdinand claimed Darwin’s “all-round game was much better” on Wednesday
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Rio Ferdinand has praised Darwin Nunez after the striker appeared to steal a potential goal from teammate Mohamed Salah in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Red Bull Leipzig.
The Reds survived a late attack from the German side, who are currently level on points at the top of the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, to secure a vital victory in the Champions League, leaving them with nine points from three games.
The match saw the out-of-form Nunez get off to a rare start, with the Uruguayan scoring just one goal this season in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old broke his duck against Leipzig tonight, although the way he broke the deadlock, scoring what appeared to be a sure goal for Salah, indicated his desperation to kick-start his campaign.
But the expert Ferdinand has said TNT Sports that Núñez did well to hit the ball and at the same time gave the center forward some advice on how he can improve.
Rio Ferdinand has praised Darwin Nunez after the striker appeared to steal a potential goal from teammate Mohamed Salah.
The Reds survived a late attack from the German team, who are currently tied on points at the top of the Bundesliga.
The match saw an out-of-form Núñez make a rare start to this campaign, with the Uruguayan scoring just one goal this season.
He said: “As a team they would want him to be the one to score.” They need everyone if they are going to fight for trophies. To gain a little confidence, what better for a striker than to score.
“(Salah’s header) could have bounced off the post or it could have gone in. If there is a bit of doubt, you have to put it in the back of the net and that’s what forwards do.
‘His game in every way was much better, much cleaner. He was involved in most of the key moments.
“I think he was in the right areas to score goals. His work rate is one of his main characteristics.
“He was involved in all the good things Liverpool did tonight and that’s what you want from your striker. Especially because he’s looking for some confidence – if you do it that way, when he has a bit of momentum and confidence, he could become in a player.
“I think it’s difficult to face it. “You just want him to be a little cleaner in front of the goal and start executing.”
Fellow pundit Steve McManaman also insisted Darwin had had a good night and the striker, who signed in the summer of 2022, was ready to step up at Anfield.
‘He was more efficient than (Cody) Gakpo tonight, he was more efficient than Mo Salah tonight.
“If (Diogo) Jota is injured, he can come do a job and get a result, then everyone will be happy.”
Ferdinand said: “If there is even a bit of doubt, you have to put it in the back of the net and that’s what forwards do.”
Expert Steve McManaman also insisted Darwin had had a good night.
Arne Slot said: ‘I asked for a goal and he gave it to us. But Gakpo was also important and Mo (Salah) also received an assist.
Coach Arne Slot also acknowledged the Uruguayan’s impact in Wednesday night’s vital victory.
The Dutchman said: “I asked for a goal and he gave it to us. But Gakpo was also important and Mo (Salah) also got an assist. It was a team goal.
“It’s good and nice. Darwin did a very good job today.”