Michael Owen and Steve McManaman have both backed Darwin Nunez to maintain his impressive form after the forward's two goals in Liverpool's 3-1 victory against Southampton.
Nunez has come under criticism from rival supporters since making his summer move from Benfica, not helped by a foolish red card received in his first game at Anfield versus Crystal Palace back in August.
Since returning to the starting XI, the 23-year-old has proved his doubters wrong and is beginning to justify why the Reds agreed a package deal worth £85m to bring the Uruguayan to Merseyside.
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With five goals in his last seven outings - and a total of nine strikes in all competitions - Owen is of the view the towering striker is certainly living up to his lofty expectations.
"I don't think he has had a bad start to his career at Liverpool. Of course he had a red card early on and that never helped, but he's back and scoring goals and looking sharp," he told Premier League Productions.
"I thought this was a really nice finish after a lovely deft ball from Harvey Elliott," continued Owen of Nunez's first goal on Saturday. "You can clearly see Nunez gets onside and he makes that finish look easy. This fella has split opinion since he has been at Liverpool, lots of people thinking 'oh god, is he that £80m player?' I think he shows real, promising signs for the future even though he is still a little bit rough around the edges."
Continuing on the conversation of Nunez, McManaman added: "He looks really powerful and is always in the right areas. Every year he is at Liverpool, he will improve. Liverpool have not spent £80m on a finished product but they are hoping he is going to get there in the next couple of years - and I think he will."
"It wasn't necessarily a great performance from Liverpool but it was a great result. The next time they play, you presume everyone will be back and then you will see a different type of Liverpool and a more consistent Liverpool from Christmas onwards."
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