Markus Babbel makes exciting Darwin Nunez and…

Markus Babbel makes exciting Darwin Nunez and Liverpool midfield transfers predictions

Darwin Nunez's success at Liverpool must not be measured against his £64m price tag, according to former Anfield hero Markus Babbel.

Nunez has endured a challenging season since his potential club-record move from Benfica, with both the player and Jurgen Klopp's side entering a period of transition. Despite the collective difficulties, though, the Uruguayan has returned a respectable 15 goals in 24 starts across all competitions.

However, with Liverpool needing to put together a near-perfect run in the Premier League to have any hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League after their defeat at Manchester City in early April, the 23-year-old was overlooked by manager Klopp in six of the last nine games prior to his toe injury, which has kept him sidelined for the recent outings against Leicester City and Aston Villa.

Instead, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah have been staples of the Reds team that has taken 22 points from the last 24 on offer.

Assessing Nunez's first season in English football, Babbel, who won four major trophies during his Liverpool career, told German publication Wettfreunde: "One must not forget that [Nunez] is still a young player and that he needs some adjustment time to get used to the Premier League.

“In addition, with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah, Liverpool have four rockets and Nunez has to keep playing in his unloved position. Add to that the fact that he moved to Liverpool when things weren’t going well for the Reds. The expectations of him were incredibly high, as well as the high transfer fee.

“It wasn’t easy for the boy. He must not be measured by the fee. I think it was a great transfer. He’s on the right track. He will find it easier next season.”

Babbel, who was capped 51 times by Germany, also believes the Reds need to add two midfielders at opposite ends of the spectrum; one with their peaks years ahead of them and another that could replace James Milner, who will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June.

"I can imagine that they are looking for a seasoned midfielder to replace James Milner and could sign up a hopeful," added Babbel. “They also have great talents in their own ranks like Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott, who have repeatedly attracted attention, as well as Stefan Bajcetic. Liverpool will be superb midfielders in 2023-2024.”

And reviewing the Reds' troublesome Premier League campaign, which has seen them resigned to a fifth-placed finish, Babbel believes the form of Virgil Van Dijk should provide plenty of hope ahead of the new campaign.

“Virgil had to keep playing, even though he wasn’t 100% fit, because Klopp had too many injured players in defence," said Babbel. "It was difficult for him to get into the rhythm.

“If you’re completely out for half a year, then you need a few months to exploit your full potential again. He would certainly have needed a few regeneration phases, but he was almost never able to get them. That’s why I say: Big compliments for the last 7-8 match days, that was great.

“Who would have thought a few weeks ago that Liverpool would be competing for the Champions League places until the very end. Hats off. This final sprint gives a lot of confidence for the new season.”

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