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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

'The only doubt' - Darwin Nunez told to emulate Premier League rival by ex-Liverpool star

Darwin Nunez should take a leaf out of Erling Haaland's book when it comes to his mentality, according to former Reds hero Jose Enrique.

Liverpool's summer signing made an instant impact with a goal in the Community Shield triumph against Manchester City before following it up with his first Premier League goal against Fulham in the opening game of the season.

But his progress has been halted after a red card for violent conduct against Crystal Palace forced the Uruguayan to sit out the Reds' last three matches. And while Nunez has been kicking his heels in the stands City new-boy Haaland has hit the goal trail, scoring seven goals in his last three outings, including back-to-back hat-tricks against the Eagles and Nottingham Forest.

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Nunez was subjected to persistent bating by Palace defender Joachim Andersen before finally snapping, giving the referee little option but to show him a red card and former Liverpool full-back Enrique believes the ex-Benfica hitman could learn a bit from his City rival as well as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking to BoyleSports, he said: "When you look at Erling Haaland, he's a bit like Cristiano Ronaldo in his mentality where nothing affects him. Darwin Nunez is different and I remember in the summer when he reacted to criticism by putting a 'Shh' emoji on Twitter.

"In terms of ability, I love Darwin and he's got that Uruguayan mentality where they just keep fighting. The only doubt is whether he'll be able to handle the price tag and just perform. If he can't, he'll struggle."

Nunez has now served his three-match ban and is available for selection against Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday, but Jurgen Klopp must decide whether he is ready to throw the fiery 23-year-old into the Goodison Park cauldron from the start, particularly after Roberto Firmino scored three times whilst Nunez was side-lined.

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