Peter Crouch predicted that Darwin Nunez would "hurt" Liverpool before the Benfica striker's starring display on Tuesday night.
The Uruguayan international has burst onto the scene this season and looks to be one of the most promising up-and-coming players across Europe. Nunez, who has scored 27 goals in all competitions this year, has delivered on the big stage helping the Portgual giants reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Nunez scored the winner against Ajax in the last round to set up a glamour tie with Liverpool. And he continued his good run of form against Jurgen Klopp's men in the first leg at the Estadio da Luz as he caused them all sorts of problems.
The Reds raced out a 2-0 lead through goals from Ibrahima Konate and Sadio Mane, but Nunez pulled one back for Benfica after the break with a smart finish. The home side threw everything at Liverpool but the visitors were able to soak up the pressure before Luis Diaz restored their two-goal lead towards the end.
Nunez continues to make a name for himself despite the performance coming in a losing effort as he attracts attention from the likes of Manchester United. And BT Sport predicted that the talisman would be a "big threat" and "hurt" Liverpool before the match.
He said: "I think Manchester United were looking at him. Suarez and Cavani, he plays up front with them for Uruguay and I think he’s got something like 27 goals in all competitions this year. He’s obviously going to be a big threat. Set pieces as well, he’s good in the air and against Ajax they (Benfica) were very good at set pieces. If they soak up a lot of pressure tonight, that’s where they could hurt Liverpool."
Nunes attracted a lot of attention for his heroics against Ajax with reports Benfica increased his release clause to £67m after his exploits against the Dutch side. And his stock will have risen even higher with his performance against Liverpool.
But Benfica are not willing to sell their prized asset unless they are heavily compensated, however. Newcastle were the first team to join the race and will look to keep flexing their financial muscles following their £305m Saudi-led takeover.
The Magpies will need to add attacking reinforcements with Callum Wilson's injury troubles and Chris Wood enduring a slow start to his career at St James Park who only managed one goal in 10 matches across all competitions since his winter move from Burnley.
Man United have also entered the frame for the no.9 and is an attractive proposition for Nunez with the Red Devils reportedly set to lose multiple strikers in the summer. Edinson Cavani has yet to be offered a new contract, while Anthony Martial, on loan at Sevilla, doesn't have a future at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford could be cut short - although the latest reports suggest he is willing to stay put for another season - while Marcus Rashford has been told he can leave in the summer by interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
It's claimed he's on Mikel Arteta's shortlist too after Arsenal mised out on multiple targets up front in January including Dusan Vlahovic who snubbed the Gunners in favour of a move to Juventus. The north Londoners are in desperate need of a striker with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to leave the Emirates as free agents with their contracts winding down.
