Liverpool target Darwin Nunez would prove to be worth his ‘hefty’ £85million price tag if he could provide the ‘edge’ for Jurgen Klopp’s side in crunch scenarios.
The Reds are reportedly ready to break their transfer record to sign the 22-year-old from Benfica, with the player said to have agreed personal terms with the Merseyside club.
Nunez enjoyed an excellent 2021/22 campaign for the Portuguese club, scoring 34 goals across all competitions, including six in the Champions League.
Liverpool were close to securing an unprecedented quadruple last season after winning both domestic cup competitions, but they lost out to Manchester City in the title race and suffered defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Former Celtic striker Sutton has been impressed by Nunez’s aerial ability, and feels his prowess in the air would prove to be useful for the Reds, especially given the service provided by full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
‘At 6ft 2in and 80kg (12st 8lb) he’s a handful for any defender, and it was his headed goal against Ajax that sent Benfica through to the Champions League quarter-finals. That could be a useful addition for Liverpool up top,’ Sutton told the Daily Mail.
‘Nobody produced more crosses than Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Premier League last season, and Andy Robertson wasn’t far behind his pal.
‘Against sides that defend deep — and plenty try that tactic when going to Anfield — you need someone challenging for those balls coming into the box.
‘When Liverpool drew 1-1 with Tottenham last month, they crossed the ball 46 times — the most of any side in a single match during the 2021-22 campaign — and 46 times it wasn’t headed beyond Hugo Lloris.
‘As a result, Liverpool dropped two points. How costly that proved. They finished one point behind Premier League champions Manchester City. They lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid as they were unable to beat Thibaut Courtois.
‘They won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup but didn’t score in either of those finals against Chelsea, instead relying on penalty shootouts to prevail.
‘If Nunez can come in and give Liverpool that edge in those scenarios, then Jurgen Klopp will consider him worth his hefty cost.’
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