Darwin Nunez finally seems to have the approval of Liverpool fans after a shaky start to his Reds career following the summer transfer in 2022.
More praise has come for the 24-year-old and this time from the GOAT of football, Lionel Messi.
Champions Argentina had not lost or even conceded a goal since lifting the World Cup in 2022.
With this impressive streak, Lionel Scaloni’s side headed against Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay for the World Cup Qualifiers of 2026 at La Bombonera.
But Argentina succumbed to a surprise 2-0 defeat. With Ronald Araujo’s opener before Darwin Nunez’s goal in the 87th minute, Uruguay finally ended Albiceleste’s unbeaten run.
Even though the match was interrupted by some unpleasant scenes involving both sides, Lionel Messi applauded Bielsa’s game strategy.
Speaking to TyC Sports after the match, the Argentine captain himself praised the Uruguayan team for being great at counterattacks.
He highlighted Uruguay’s strength in rebounding and playing in space on the counter-attacks, acknowledging the team’s excellence in utilizing these tactics.
Messi also specifically mentioned Darwin Núñez, emphasizing his importance in implementing such strategies. He opined that Darwin’s contribution is what makes Uruguay a good counter-attacking side.
“Uruguay are good at rebounding and playing in space on counter attack. They have excellent players for that like Darwin [Núñez]…” He said.
Núñez’s performance against the World Champions was a highlight of his excellent recent form. His pace, in-behind runs, and an eye for goal has made the 24-year-old a crucial part of Bielsa’s strategy of counterattack.
Something similar is also being implemented by his club manager, Jürgen Klopp as well.
With a more counter-attacking approach, the Liverpool manager has made Darwin Núñez the pivotal point of the quick transition attacks. Moreover with Diogo Jota and Mo Salah by his side, the Uruguayan has thrived.
Even Jürgen Klopp admitted earlier this month that Núñez was finally beginning to show what he is really capable of, 12 months after joining the Reds from Benfica in an £85 million deal.
Nunez has 4 goals and 4 assists in 11 games for Liverpool in the league, Darwin Núñez has definitely turned the slow start to his LFC career around.
Despite his frequent misses in front of goal, Darwin Núñez has racked up great numbers this season with 18 goals and assists in 22 games across all competitions for club and country.
With his recent performances, Darwin has definitely answered his critics. However, even if some people still question his ability, he need not worry. After all, he has Lionel Messi’s approval by his side.
