Rafa Benitez compares Darwin Nunez to Liverpool legend Fernando Torres
Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez spoke about and compared the Reds’ star Darwin Nunez to Anfield legend Fernando Torres. Benitez made the comparison following Nunez’s impressive performance in a match against Newcastle United, during which he scored a stunning goal.
Nunez was subject to a lot of criticism in the early weeks of the season as he was unable to get going and score goals for the team. Moreover, Liverpool’s form did not help his cause at all. However, the 23-year-old Uruguayan is now looking the part and is slowly starting to go at full pace.
In 28 appearances across all competitions, he has 11 goals and four assists to his name this season. He looks on course to a 25 G/A season and that is certainly not bad output for someone playing their first season of the Premier League.
Speaking to The Mirror, here is what Rafa had to say about him while comparing Darwin to Reds’ icon Fernando Torres:
“He has the pace to run in behind, and he is a threat. After he will score more or less goals, but he is a threat, so for you as a manager it is someone you have to worry about and talk with your defenders about that. He is a threat.”
“Fernando, one of the issues at the beginning was that – he was not a great finisher.
“Little by little, because he was in front of the ‘keeper so many times, he could have more time and more composure, I would put the ball here or there but at the beginning he was great as a player, but here in England because the defenders are wider and stronger, in the space he was killing them and having more chances.”
Torres played for Liverpool from 2007 to 2011 and stands widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers to have ever played for the club. He scored 81 goals in 142 appearances for the Reds and played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success during his time at Anfield.
Nunez and Torres
Torres’ pace, power, and finishing ability made him even more prominent, and he formed one of the most lethal partnerships in Europe with Steven Gerrard. Even though the Spaniard’s first season with the Reds was not rusty by any means, he missed a few good chances and that is the same with Nunez.
However, Benitez’s comparison of Nunez to Torres is a huge compliment, and it highlights the similarities in their playing styles. Both players possess lightning pace, excellent technique, and a natural goal-scoring ability. Nunez’s goal against Newcastle United, in particular, showcased his speed, skill, and composure in front of goal.
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Liverpool fans will be hoping that Nunez can emulate Torres’ success at Anfield and become a legend in his own right. Regulars will be eagerly anticipating his continued development and hoping that he can live up to the lofty comparisons that have been made to one of the greatest players to have ever graced Anfield.
