- Reds survived the late attack to reach nine points from three in the Champions League
- Ferdinand claimed on Wednesday that Darwin’s ‘all-round game was much better’
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Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on 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 at the top of the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, to secure a crucial win in the Champions League, leaving them on nine points from three games .
The match saw the out-of-form Nunez make a rare start, with the Uruguayan scoring just the only goal this season in a 3–0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old missed his chance against Leipzig tonight, but the way he broke the deadlock and looked set to score a goal for Salah hinted at his desperation to kick-start his campaign.
But expert Ferdinand told it TNT Sports that Nunez was right when he tapped the ball in, while also giving the centre-forward some advice on how he can improve.
Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Darwin Nunez after the striker appeared to steal a potential goal from teammate Mohamed Salah
The Reds survived a late attack from the German side, who are currently level at the top of the Bundesliga
The match saw the out-of-form Nunez make a rare start this season, with the Uruguayan scoring just the only goal this season
He said: “As a team they would want him to be the one on the scoresheet. They need everyone if they are going to compete for trophies. What better way for a striker to gain a bit of confidence than to get on the scoresheet?
‘[Salah’s header] It could have bounced back onto 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 is what strikers do.
‘His all-round game was much better, much cleaner. He was involved in most of the key moments.
‘I think he was in the right place to score goals. His work rate is one of his most important qualities.
‘He was involved in all the good things Liverpool did tonight and that’s what you expect from your striker. Mainly because he is looking for some confidence. If you do that in that mode, he can become a player if he gets a little momentum and confidence.
“I think he’s a handful to play against. You just want him to be a little cleaner in front of the goal and start executing.”
Fellow pundit Steve McManaman also stressed that 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 then [Cody] Gakpo tonight was more efficient than Mo Salah tonight.
‘If [Diogo] Jota is injured outside, he can come in and get a result and everyone will be happy.”
Ferdinand said: if there is a little bit of doubt you have to put it in the back of the net and that is what strikers do’
Fellow expert Steve McManaman also emphasized that Darwin had a good night
Arne Slot said: ‘I asked for a goal and he gave us one. But Gakpo was also important at Mo [Salah] also get an assist’
Manager Arne Slot also recognized the Uruguayan’s impact on the crucial victory on Wednesday evening.
The Dutchman said: ‘I asked for a goal and he gave us one. But Gakpo was also important at Mo [Salah] also get help. It was a team goal.
‘It is good and pleasant that Darwin did very well today.’