Former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler has described any criticism of Darwin Nunez after the performances against Manchester United and Crystal Palace as 'ludicrous'.
The Reds signed the Uruguay international for what could potentially become a club record fee earlier this summer and he's settled into the squad well. However, with all eyes on the new boy, rival fans and critics didn't hesitate to jump on his back after his first pre-season performances.
Nunez certainly silenced them after he scored four against RB Leipzig earlier this week. Fowler emphasised signings are brought in for the long-term, not just to hit the ground running in pre-season fixtures and has backed the 23-year-old to succeed at Liverpool.
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"It was ludicrous to think that Nunez was being doubted after playing just a few minutes against Manchester United and Crystal Palace on the tour to Asia," he wrote in his column for the Mirror. "He got a taste of what any big-money signing faces in football these days if they’re not scoring in every game – but it’s ridiculous.
"Nunez has come to Liverpool off the back of a fantastic campaign at Benfica, and Jurgen Klopp has bought him for the next few years, not for one pre-season.
"I’d seen that Klopp was perfectly happy with the way the lad has slotted in to the club and his performances in training. And if Klopp’s pleased that’s all that matters."
Nunez will hope to continue his form next week when Liverpool take on RB Salzburg on Wednesday. They'll then face Premier League rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Saturday.
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