Darwin Nunez has already set Anfield alight in his blossoming career, but should he sign for Liverpool this summer - as expected - he will be joining forces with a player who left him 'dumbfounded' last season.
The Benfica striker has just completed a brilliant season in Portugal, scoring 32 times in 38 appearances for the Eagles, leaving him as one of the most sought-after goal-getters in Europe. But as talks continue between the two clubs, he is already well acquainted with his prospect employers, having come up against the Reds in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Despite Liverpool winning the aggregate tie 6-4, Nunez did his reputation no harm by scoring in both legs. After surviving a VAR-check, his 82nd-minute finish at Anfield in the second leg gave the visitors a ray of hope with the score a 3-3 on the night. And just moments later, Nunez came close to reducing the aggregate deficit to just a single goal with a stunning first time volley.
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But Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson had other ideas, getting down low to his right to deny his opponent with a superb save. It would prove to be a pivotal moment in the contest as the Reds held out from thereon to book their passage to the Champions League semi-final.
After the match, Nunez acknowledged it had been a key moment. Speaking to Sky Italy, he said: "That Alisson save? That was incredible. I swear to you, I saw the ball going in... and then it wasn't."
Alisson's performances in-between the sticks for Jurgen Klopp's side saw him recognised by inclusion in the Premier League's Team of the Season. But prior to facing Benfica at Anfield, the 29-year-old had already acknowledged the danger that The Eagles - and Nunez in particular - would offer up.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Alisson said: "They have quick strikers, they have a strong striker as a number nine. They gave us a lot of work to do, but we are ready to face them, we are ready and prepared to face that match and to achieve our goals."
If negotiations go as planned, Alisson will instead be preparing to line up alongside Nunez next season, not against him, as the Reds look to seal a deal for a new striker that would result in a club record transfer fee.
