Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez likens Darwin Nunez to ex-Anfield hero Fernando Torres after complicated start following £85million transfer from Benfica
Darwin Nunez has been likened to Fernando Torres by former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez with the pair both wasteful in their first season at Anfield.
Uruguay international Nunez joined the Reds from Benfica last summer in a deal rising to £85million, but has struggled for consistency.
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He has scored 11 goals in all competitions - with six coming in the Premier League - but has been criticised for being too wasteful.
And ex-Reds boss Benitez, who brought Torres to Merseyside in 2007, has backed Nunez to come good for Jurgen Klopp's side.
Nunez received a huge boost for his confidence after firing home the opener in the 2-0 win away at Newcastle on Saturday.
Speaking on Sky Sports following the match at St James' Park, Benitez claimed the 23-year-old has huge potential, and reminds him of Torres, who scored just four times in his first 11 top-flight outings.
The former Magpies boss said: “He is a hard worker - he's always making the runs and doing the right things."
He continued: "After he finished and scored a great goal, [the] manager will be happy.
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"My feeling is you are watching the game - as a manager you are really worried. He has the pace to do that and run in behind.
"For you as a manager he is someone you have to worry about then he will finish.
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"When Fernando Torres first came to Liverpool, he struggled with putting chances away - he was a great player but he wasn't a great finisher.
"We worked with him and in time he became the Fernando we knew."
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Nunez is a doubt for Liverpool’s next game as the Reds look to exact revenge on Real Madrid in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie.
Los Blancos beat Liverpool 1-0 in last season's final despite Klopp's side dominating the match in Paris.
The centre-forward was forced off in the 59th minute against Newcastle with a shoulder injury.
Commenting on the player's fitness, Klopp said: "If it shows up that Darwin has nothing on his shoulder, it would make my day."
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