Anfield great Steve Nicol has leapt to the defence of Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez.
It was an at times difficult, and eventful, debut season for Nunez as he netted nine goals in the Premier League and 15 goals in all competitions. His impact in the English top-flight was unforgettable as well after being shown a straight red card for violent conduct following an altercation with Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen on his home debut for the Reds.
While Liverpool fell off the pace, Manchester City marched on to another title largely thanks to the goals of their own summer signing, Erling Haaland. Many comparisons were drawn between the big-money arrivals, and with Haaland going on to finish the campaign with a remarkable 52 goals in 53 games. the spotlight remained on Nunez throughout his first season in English football following his move from Benfica.
But the upcoming season poses an opportunity for the striker to start afresh as Jurgen Klopp's side looks to re-establish themselves in contention for the Champions League and the title race.
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And Nicol, who won eight major honours during his 13-year stay at Liverpool, was in no mood to suggest that Nunez is "bust already". Speaking on ESPN FC, he said: "You can look at it two ways.
"For £80m. you want the finished article. But, at the same time, have a look around the Premier League and the money people are spending on players that maybe don’t even have that potential.
"The guy has had one season. Straight away, right off the bat, you just said, 'is he a bust already?' This guy has never been given a chance by anybody, including you [ESPN presenter].
“Hold on a second, let’s get this right. When he was signed, did anybody at Liverpool tell us that ‘this guy is the present? This guy is going to start now'."
The transfer discussion continued but it seemingly irked the 61-year-old. He responded: “Are you going to let me finish?"
"The transfer fee doesn’t always tell you that. The guy was brought in as the future, yet after four months, everybody was on his back. Four months! And they were told that the guy is the future.
"He has had one season. Could it have been better? Probably. He certainly showed potential. He certainly shows what he is capable of and he has more in his locker.
"Yet, we haven’t kicked the season off and you are asking me if he is a bust? I mean, come on! Seriously, he has no chance! Unless he scores a hat-trick every game, then in your eyes he is a bust already!"
