Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister believes that the absence of Mohamed Salah can motivate Darwin Nunez and other players
Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister backs Darwin Nunez and his teammates to shine in the absence of Mohamed Salah. Salah has joined his national team to captain them during the AFCON competition that will commence this month.
Salah is currently leading in combined goals and assist chart at Liverpool and in the Premier League competition as well. His contribution has been pivotal in the Red’s successful first half of the season.
Liverpool are currently lying at the top of the Premier League table but the competition is very tight. Six points separate the Reds from fifth place Tottenham Hotspur with Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa in the middle. Furthermore, the Reds have successfully progressed in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League so far.
Liverpool needs the rest of their attacking department to produce goals and assists in the absence of their Egyptian legend. The Reds have a diverse attacking department and creative players in midfield and defence.
Speaking to BoyleSports (h/t Liverpool Echo), McAllister claimed that the absence of Salah gives the chance to other players. He said:
“Mohamed Salah is without doubt Liverpool’s star player and he’s a very unique footballer. His absence will give other players the chance to step up. The fans love Darwin Nunez as his work rate is fantastic, even if he’s missed a few chances. He always keeps running, and I have confidence in him to deliver. Perhaps the absence of Salah will motivate him to take his chances and score more goals. Harvey Elliott, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez will all still feature for Liverpool and there are goals there. Having Mac Allister back is a boost, too. He’s played a few games out of his natural position, but he’s also capable of scoring a few.”
Darwin has faced criticism for being too wasteful in front of goals, missing easy chances very often. The Kopites hold a strong liking for the 24-year-old and have praised him for his overall work ethic and contribution.
"This sums up Darwin Núñez in a Liverpool shirt" @Carra23 on Darwin Núñez's first-half misses against Newcastle pic.twitter.com/LgTPs0gkLq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2024
The Uruguayan has made 28 appearances, contributing with eight goals and eight assists in all competitions. The numbers are decent considering the amount of work he puts in and the chances his movements create for teammates.
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Nevertheless, the criticism about lack of composure are justified and he needs to work on that. For his national side, Nunez has thrived in front of goals, scoring against teams like Brazil and Argentina last year.
Salah is irreplaceable and the things he has done this season are incredible despite the changes in his style of play. It is the duty of the whole attacking department to contribute and get through the period until he returns. The Reds have diversity with each attacker bringing something different and that unpredictability can help them continue being productive.
