Rio Ferdinand backs 24-year-old star to be a 'different player for Liverpool ' this season

Rio Ferdinand compares Rasmus Hojlund to Liverpool star Darwin Nunez

Liverpool star Darwin Nunez obviously did not enjoy the best of campaigns with the Reds last season. It was clear that he would take time to adapt to the requirements of the league, but even considering that, he constantly found himself in threatening areas and was a constant menace for backlines, even though he did not score as many goals as he would want to.

However, the upcoming season could be one of change for Nunez. One of his advocates citing the same is surprisingly, Rio Ferdinand. The former Manchester United defender drew parallels between Nunez, and new United signing Rasmus Hojlund stating that the Danish international might also take time to settle in the Premier League. Here is what Rio had to say via the ECHO:

“I look at it a bit like Darwin Nunez from Liverpool. Last season was his adjusting season. He’s a young striker coming to the league and everything about him fits the Premier League perfectly, but it didn’t go as well as he would have liked. But I think, this season, we’ll see a different player for Liverpool.”

With the guidance of Jurgen Klopp and the coaching staff at Liverpool, Nunez can develop a few aspects of his game and become a more well-rounded player. Considering that he has a full Premier League season under his belt now, this season, he would be hungry to show that he is indeed a world-class player.

Darwin Nunez (24) had a mixed debut season for Liverpool, scoring only nine goals in 29 appearances in the Premier League. However, his performances in pre-season have been impressive, and he has shown that he is ready to compete with the best in the league.

Nunez for the Reds

In 180 minutes of pre-season action including the Bayern game, he scored four goals and got one assist as well. Nunez’s performances in the Champions League for Benfica in the 2021/22 season were outstanding. This demonstrates his ability to perform on the big stage and suggests that he can replicate this form for Liverpool in the upcoming season.

Jurgen Klopp’s stance on Nunez has also shifted, with the Liverpool manager expressing confidence in Nunez’s overall impact after completing his first full season at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp has a good headache as there are plenty of attacking options to choose from. Hopefully, Darwin makes his case stronger and starts off on a positive note against Chelsea on 13th August, when the league campaign begins.