John Barnes has predicted Darwin Nunez to have a ‘similar impact’ to Erling Haaland at Manchester City and added that Liverpool will not fear the Uruguayan’s hot-headedness.
The 23-year-old has had a dramatic start to life on Merseyside since arriving for £64million this summer, scoring in the Community Shield final and his Premier League debut before an indefensible headbutt on Joachim Andersen earned a red card and a three-game ban. The former Benfica man still managed to hit headlines midweek for seemingly shouting at the Newcastle dugout after Fabio Carvalho’s late winner.
During Nunez’ suspension, Man City striker Erling Haaland has bagged seven goals - including consecutive hat-tricks - as Pep Guardiola’s side take early command of the title race alongside Arsenal. But ex-Liverpool winger Barnes believes the Reds striker can make a similar impact to his Norwegian counterpart and fill the void left by the departing Sadio Mane.
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“I think Nunez can have a similar impact that Haaland has had at Man City, because the problem that they've got is that they’ve struggled with putting someone in the box too often,” Barnes told BonusCodeBets. “You can see what Man City have done with getting the ball in the box for Haaland. They could do the same for Nunez and he will capitalise on that.
“So while they'll miss Mane and what he had, I think Nunez brings something extra in terms of being a target man who can get headers in and bringing the ball into play, he'll be a great finisher."
Nunez has now served his three-match suspension and will be eligible to play in Saturday’s Merseyside Derby at Everton, but there are fears that the fervent atmosphere at Goodison Park and streetwise Blues defenders could spark another red mist moment. But Barnes believes the striker will have learned his lesson and added Liverpool won't have any fear over their signing’s temperament.
“I don't think Liverpool have any fear about his hot-headedness,” Barnes added. “Nunez is going to have to learn that the Premier League is very physical and people are going to try and upset him. It doesn't matter whether it's against Everton or against Norwich, anyone.
“I don't think it's the fact to hold him back, but obviously Klopp will make that decision and if he holds him back, it won't be because he feels like he's going to get sent off, it's because he feels that in this game maybe Firmino or somebody else will get the chance.”
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