Alan Shearer has named both Alisson Becker and Darwin Nunez in his Premier League Team of the Week after their commanding displays during the 3-1 defeat of Southampton ensured Jurgen Klopp's side signed off for the World Cup with a vital three points.
Roberto Firmino's glancing header - after a fine delivery from Andy Robertson - saw the Reds open the scoring after just seven minutes. That was before the Saints replied immediately as Che Adams connected with James Ward-Prowse's free-kick at the Kop End and cancelled out the Brazilian's seventh Premier League goal of the season.
However, with 25 minutes of the first half remaining, Nunez took it upon himself to be the difference-maker as he fired two goals in quick succession to put Liverpool well and truly out of sight. His first, a well-timed volley - after a delightful pass from Harvey Elliott - into the corner of Gavin Bazunu's goal. Just moments before referee Simon Hooper was due to signal for half-time, the Uruguayan struck again. This time exhibiting his incredible sixth sense to sniff out the danger of Robertson's low-driven cross, which he connected with fiercely to hand the Reds a much-deserved two-goal cushion heading into the break.
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Such an impressive display led to Nunez being selected by Shearer - the Premier League's all-time top-goalscorer - in his Team of the Week, adding to the Man of the Match accolade he claimed for his showing on Saturday.
"Crowned an impressive display with a first-half brace," said Shearer, in his weekly Premier League column. "He is adapting brilliantly to Klopp's new system”
While Klopp's side spent the second half mainly in cruise control, that was with the exception of Alisson, who was forced to make a string of impressive saves to deny Mohamed Elyounoussi, Sam Edozie and most impressively Adams from grabbing his second of the game after an incredible stop from point-blank range.
"Made three key saves in the second half that made the win over Southampton look comfortable," added Shearer.
Victory over Nathan Jones' side made it four consecutive wins for Liverpool in all competitions and back-to-back Premier League victories after their shock defeat to Leeds United earlier this month. They head into the six-week World Cup break sitting seven points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the final Champions League qualification place. However, the Reds do boast a game in-hand on Antonio Conte's side.
While Nunez and Alisson will now jet off to Qatar to prepare for the World Cup, those in the Reds' squad not involved in the inaugural winter edition of the competition will find themselves based in Dubai, where Liverpool will face AC Milan and Lyon during a prolonged training camp.
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