Andy Townsend channels inner Bill Shankly as he defends under-fire Liverpool star

Football commentator Andy Townsend defended Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez, calling him better than forwards “like Anthony Martial”

Football commentator Andy Townsend highlighted the qualities of Darwin Nunez amid criticisms over the lack of goals scored by him. Townsend compared Nunez with forward like Anthony Martial, claiming he would pick the Uruguayan any day over them.

Nunez spectacularly started the current season, single-handedly winning the game against Newcastle United with 10-men Liverpool in the away game. The Uruguayan international has formed a strong link-up chemistry with Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, assisting each other for goals.

The 24-year-old has solidified his place as the lead forward for his national team under Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa. Darwin has enjoyed a prolific year for Uruguay, scoring in big games against Brazil and Argentina, showing his goalscoring abilities.

Speaking on the talkSPORT Breakfast show, Townsend insisted that he would prefer Nunez over several other forwards despite his struggles. He said:

“Your numbers are everything as a striker, but you know what? Give me him over some of the other lot – like Anthony Martial – who stands around doing nothing. Darwin Nunez is permanently on the move, he’s running 100mph everywhere, yes he misses a lot of chances…”

Nunez received criticism for missing many big chances in the Premier League games in recent games. He has missed 15 big chances in the Premier League this season, ranking second among players.

However, the list includes the top current goal scorer Erling Haaland with 17 misses and Rasmus Hojlund with nine misses. Hojlund has continuously earned praise from pundits despite failing to score a single goal in the Premier League.

The media might be applying a double standard in its treatment of Nunez compared to these players. Nevertheless, the Uruguayan need to do better in composure when he is trying to beat the offside traps.

Townsend highlighted that Nunez remains actively involved, despite his struggles in front of the goal. The 24-year-old has the qualities on and off the ball that justify his inclusion in the starting eleven.

When Darwin is not scoring or assisting, he is continuously making runs that open space for his teammates to exploit. Furthermore, the Uruguayan’s work-rate off the ball is parallel with Liverpool’s icon Roberto Firmino, a player we dearly miss.

Liverpool’s greatest manager Bill Shankly once praised legendary forward Roger Hunt during his struggle in front of goals, like Nunez. He said (h/t Liverpool FC official site):

‘Yes Roger Hunt misses a few, but he gets in the right place to miss them.’

The words of wisdom from our great manager speak of the importance of a striker who never gives up. Darwin has the intelligence and movement to create chaos in opposition defence and get at the right places.

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It is only a matter of time before he starts producing the right results, just like Hunt. Hunt scored 261 goals

from 446 appearances for the Reds, cementing his legacy forever.

Some sections of the fanbase, lacking the usual patience associated with Liverpool fans, tend to exaggerate many of the criticisms beyond reasonable proportions. However, the majority of Kopites adore Nunez for his hard work, tenacity and continuous involvement throughout the game.