Trent Alexander-Arnold has heaped praise on his new Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunez after the Uruguyan delivered a stellar cameo performance once he was introduced off the bench.
The Reds took on long-time title rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield at Leicester City's King Power Stadium in a clash that presented the first chance for the two teams to feel each other out before what many expect to be another thrilling title race between the pair.
It was a hard-fought affair that saw Alexander-Arnold net the opening goal after his right-footed effort deflected off the head of Nathan Ake and beyond the despairing dive of City shot-stopper Ederson. Jurgen Klopp's side were well worthy of their lead, dominating for most of the first half.
City equalised with 20 minutes left to play after Julian Alvarez netted a debut goal for his new side just minutes after being introduced to the fray. The Argentinian forward was forced to wait before he could properly celebrate due to a lengthy VAR check to determine if he was offside.
The scores weren't level for long, with Nunez playing a starring role in Liverpool's second given it was his header that struck the hand of City defender Ruben Dias. The incident was once again reviewed by VAR, before Craig Pawson pointed to the spot.
Mohamed Salah made no mistake from 12 yards, though Ederson did get a hand to the Egyptian's effort. Just over 10 minutes later, Nunez struck - heading home from close range after the ball was nodded into his path by Scotland international Andy Robertson.
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The goal sparked wild celebrations from the former Benfica man, who actually picked up a yellow card for whipping his shirt off amid all the ecstasy of scoring. Nunez's teammate Alexander-Arnold waxed lyrical over his display come full-time.
Pressed on where the club-record signings performance ranks among the greatest showings off of the bench, Liverpool's right-back replied: "It’s got to be up there. He won the penalty, scored the goal, had a one-on-one. He looks lively, very lively, he’s someone who’s been brought into score goals and he’s proved he can do that today."
The praise for Nunez did not stop there, with Alexander Arnold adding: "He's a top player, young player, you can tell he’s come in to learn, he’s bonded with the lads, everyone’s got on well with him.
"He’s come in, worked hard, got his head down so far and knows his position is not just going to be there because we bought him this summer, he’s got to earn it and he’s come on with a point to prove and scored the goal to clinch it and won the penalty also."
