Jamie Carragher says ‘scary’ Darwin Nunez has made a ‘huge impact’ for Liverpool

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez drew comparisons with club legend Fernando Torres after scoring in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Napoli on Tuesday. 

The Uruguayan had endured a difficult start to his Liverpool career after his club-record move from Benfica but has begun to settle in and now boasts five goals in his last seven games. 

And he drew high acclaim from pundits Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher after the Champions League tie, where he they typified him as a ‘scary’ player.  

Darwin Nunez scored his seventh goal in 15 games for Liverpool against Napoli on Tuesday

After the game, Thierry Henry (L) and Jamie Carragher were full of praise for the forward

Liverpool legend Carragher claimed that Nunez reminded him of former Red Fernando Torres

Speaking on CBS after the game, Carragher said: ‘It’s really interesting watching Nunez. He comes on and he makes a huge impact. He hasn’t set the world alight, he hasn’t done what Haaland’s done and people would’ve expected more for the price-tag. 

‘But when you look at his minutes on the pitch and how many goals he’s scored per minute… his numbers are actually scary! He’s actually made a huge impact. But there’s still something, not quite there, where Jurgen Klopp’s going to play him every single game.

‘I think he’s got [similarities to] Fernando Torres. He’s got that power, physically, to knock defenders off. And that blistering pace. But at times, maybe technically, not the best in terms of general play.’

After scoring on his Premier League debut against Fulham, Nunez went on a six-game scoreless streak – drawing questions over his ability. However, he’s managed to turn his fortunes around and has now notched three goals in his last four games.

His effort against Napoli was a typical poacher’s finish as he smashed the ball home from close range to double Liverpool’s tally for the evening.  

Nunez was on hand to poke home from close range and doubled their advantage on the night

Torres was a revelation at Liverpool and scored 82 goals across four seasons in Merseyside

Former Arsenal striker Henry agreed with Carragher before drawing his own comparisons between Nunez and ‘a young Luis Suarez’.  

Henry said: ‘I think he needs confidence. When you are at a club and you feel like you are going to play week-in week-out, you’re a bit more cold in front of goal. Because he wants to wow the Liverpool fans, sometimes he rushes it. 

‘He gets the ball and rushes it instead of controlling it and going on his right foot. I went through that. When you arrive as a big signing, you come in after Sadio Mane and you just overdo it at times instead of being calm and cool.

‘He’s the type of guy, that when he gets one, more will come. Is he a finisher like Robbie Fowler? I don’t think so. But he has goals in him. He’s a bit more of a handful. A bit like Alexis Sanchez or a young Luis Suarez.’

Ex-Arsenal striker Henry said that Nunez has shades of ‘a young Luis Suarez’ in his play-style

Liverpool’s place in the round of 16 was already secured prior to their encounter with Serie A leaders Napoli last night, however that won’t stop Nunez from trying to impress both his coaches and the Liverpool fans.

The Uruguayan came off of the bench in the 73rd minute of the game with the score still level at 0-0.  He made an immediate impact, winning a header that lead to Mohamed Salah’s opener.

And in the dying moments of the match, he got his goal. The 23-year-old reacted quickest at a corner to poke the ball home from close range.

The £85million forward will be hoping to continue his fine form in-front of goal when Liverpool travel to Spurs for a Premier League clash on the weekend. 

Nunez grabbed his third Champions League goal of the campaign with his effort against Napoli