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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Kyle Newbould

'On the edge' - Michael Owen gives Darwin Nunez verdict and makes Liverpool legend comparison

Michael Owen believes Darwin Nunez plays 'on the edge' and has compared him to fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez.

The 23-year-old scored his first goal at Anfield since signing from Benfica in the 1-0 win against West Ham on Wednesday evening, taking his tally to five across all competitions for the season. Despite a rocky start to life on Merseyside, Nunez has impressed in recent weeks for the problems he has given defences - particularly in an all-action 18-minute spell against Manchester City last Sunday.

That cameo gave Reds fans a true idea of what they can expect from their £64million-man, whose powerful runs in behind and relentless effort gave City's backline nightmares. And former Reds striker Owen believes Liverpool's new leading man plays a similar 'on the edge' game to his compatriot and another former Kop favourite.

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“I love certain aspects about Darwin Nunez,” Owen told aceodds.com . “I think off the ball he's a real runner. I mean, he gallops into those channels with purpose, he can beat players. He's quick, he's a big lad.

“I think his finishing hasn't been tiptop so far in a Liverpool shirt. I think he's obviously had the unfortunate situation where he gets a red card, so he's missing three games and that stop/start and the team probably haven’t been in top form. So it's not been the easiest of starts to his career.

“But I remember watching him last season, against Liverpool a couple of times. He was absolutely electric and I was so excited when Liverpool signed him. He's shown glimpses of being a top player as well. But obviously there's one or two scenarios where you think, ‘not too sure about that’, a couple of bad decisions, he definitely should have squared it the other day against Manchester City.

“But on the whole, I think he's still a little bit raw. I still think he's a bit rough around the edges, but he's got the hallmarks of size, shape, and desire. I love his attitude, he's playing on the edge and he reminds me a little bit of Suarez in that way he's playing on the edge.

“He's just got to be careful that he doesn't do anything stupid and get a red card, like he did do. But I think there's lots to like about him, but also lots that Jurgen Klopp can improve from him.”

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