Rio Ferdinand has claimed Darwin Nunez will command a starting place in Liverpool’s side after Saturday’s draw at Fulham.
The Reds kicked off their 2022/2023 Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage, with Jurgen Klopp’s men twice having to come from behind to salvage a point. The first of those goals came from Nunez, and it was the Uruguayan’s touch that fell to Mohamed Salah for the second in a statement league debut.
But despite Klopp’s new arrival putting in an impressive 40–minute spell, the Liverpool manager will have been left frustrated by a lethargic performance on the opening day as Aleksandar Mitrović scored twice and caused endless problems.
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And former Manchester United defender Ferdinand has given his ‘scathing’ verdict on all but two players and claimed Nunez will command his place in the starting lineup.
“None of them played to their level,” Ferdinand said on Vibe With Five . “Their manager was quite scathing. Harvey Elliott, he came on as a sub, he impacted the game when he came on. I thought his rotations with Salah and Trent on the right, I think – I hope – it’s something we see more of this season.
“None of them played to their ability. Nunez impacted the game, he changed the game. He commanded the attention of two centre-backs, where Firmino didn’t. So I think it’s going to be him for the number nine shirt now.”
Elliott made a return to Craven Cottage, where he came through from under-18 level, and provided a typically dynamic performance. But his arrival shortly into the second half was bittersweet, with the 19-year-old coming on for the injured Thiago - a scan on his hamstring strain has revealed he could be out for up to six weeks.
Nunez added his first Premier League goal to the previous weekend’s Community Shield strike and looks to have settled into life on Merseyside with ease. Klopp now has a decision to make before Monday’s home game against Crystal Palace.
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