Adebayo Akinfenwa backs Darwin Nunez to score 18 goals for Liverpool next season
Adebayo Akinfenwa has backed Liverpool new boy Darwin Nunez to score 18 goals for the Reds in the upcoming campaign. The 23-year-old has been ridiculed by rival fans after poor outings during the pre-season.
But Akinfenwa, who’s a Liverpool fan, has complete faith in the Uruguayan’s ability. So he isn’t worried about Nunez’s performances in the friendlies.
The former Wycombe Wanderers striker believes in Jurgen Klopp and his signings. The 40-year-old, speaking on talkSPORT (h/t Express), trusts the German manager’s track record when it comes to bringing in players.
“Don’t even worry about him.
“Klopp, for me, Klopp don’t really miss and he hasn’t really missed with the players that he’s brought in. So I’m not really too worried about it.”
Nunez signed from Benfica in a deal that could reach up to £85 million. For the Eagles last season, the 23-year-old scored 34 goals in all competitions.
The addition is seen by many as a replacement for Sadio Mane, who left the club shortly after the club announced Nunez. Keeping that in mind, the Uruguayan has big shoes to fill.
And Akinfenwa has put a number on the goals Nunez will score for Liverpool. The 40-year-old believes the Uruguayan will score 18 goals next season.
“I’m not as much as saying [he’ll score] 25 goals because I think [Mohamed] Salah’s the one who gets us our goals like that. I don’t mind if he gets 18 goals, he’ll get 18 goals.”
Mohamed Salah is the go-to man in the Liverpool attack. For years the Egyptian has been our top scorer on a regular basis. He’s also signed a contract extension recently amidst uncertainty around his future.
The attack also has other supporting acts in the form of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino. In addition, other versatile young players such as Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are also capable of playing in the forward line. Adding Nunez into the mix will only make life easier for the collective as a whole.
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This makes it an easier task for Nunez. There won’t be too much pressure from the Anfield faithful. Putting the ball in the back of the net isn’t a concern for us. Fans hope the 23-year-old isn’t put under the microscope by the media going into next season.
