Former Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle praised Darwin Nunez and compared the Uruguayan to former international teammate Shane Long.
The Liverpool striker played today for Uruguay in the World Cup in Qatar, as South Korea drew 0-0.
The 23-year-old showed glimpses of his potential during the clash and former Reading and Wolves striker Doyle liked what he saw of the £64m man.
“I played someone like that,” he explained to RTE (via Pundit Arena). “I played Shane Long, who was very raw when he was younger. He came to Reading and he had a raw, raw pace, and he needed help and he needed training.
“I had played Gaelic as a child and very little football. He received training, but if he received more soccer training when he was younger, he would have the ability to be a really excellent player. He was a top player anyway, but to get to the top…
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“He is one that I saw that was very similar to Núñez. Raw, maybe he needs a couple of chances. But when you have that rhythm you have half a chance. Núñez looks like this, wanting to learn and listen. Like Shane Long.
“He comes across as a good guy who just wants to get better.”
Our No. 27 certainly has a lot of pace and his work rate is something that stands out when you watch him play.
He works as hard in defense as he does in attack and has become a big favorite with Liverpool supporters in recent weeks thanks to his impressive form.
The former Benfica striker had a staggering start on Merseyside but now has seven goals in his last 10 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
His arrival on Merseyside in the summer caused a slight alteration in our German strategist’s tactics at times.
Núñez offers a focal point at the top end of the pitch and means Liverpool are now operating regularly with an out-and-out striker for virtually the first time under the former Borussia Dortmund manager.
Ashley Williams believes our striker will benefit greatly from spending time alongside former Red Luis Suárez in Qatar and we certainly hope he does.
When domestic football returns just before Christmas, let’s hope the lads are going full steam ahead.
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