Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson believes people 'jumped the gun' in doubting Darwin Nunez after the Reds forward ended his first period at the club on a high.
Nunez bagged a clinical brace in Saturday's 3-1 win at home to Southampton to take his total tally to nine goals across all competitions, including seven in his last 10 appearances. The 23-year-old has silenced doubters in recent weeks with a string of fine performances to take him into the World Cup on a positive note.
The last month has been a far-cry from Nunez's early-season woes after the Uruguayan was sent off for a headbutt on Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen before enduring a five-game goalless streak upon his return. Rival fans were eager to poke fun at Nunez and Liverpool during that period, but the ex-Benfica man looks set to have the last laugh as he and the Reds have found some form going into the break.
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And ex-Liverpool man Johnson believes that those who criticised Nunez were far too quick in jumping to their conclusions, adding that the young forward is finally showing his class.
"Everyone jumped the gun too early to say he was a disappointment," Johnson told OLBG. "He's not been there long. It's not easy to go to a big club and hit the ground running. Not everyone can do what Luis Díaz did.
"It has been harsh to give him so much pressure and I think he's only now showing his class. He's a fantastic signing and I think he will be a big player for Liverpool in the coming years."
Nunez joined up with his Uruguay teammates earlier this week as they prepare to head to Qatar for the World Cup. The South American side kick-off their campaign on Thursday, November 23 against South Korea before facing Portugal and Ghana.
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