Trent Alexander-Arnold believes Darwin Nunez has shown clear signs of growth since arriving after he scored twice in today's 3-1 win at home to Southampton.
Nunez' brace all but wrapped up a fourth consecutive win in all competitions by half-time, with the Uruguayan finishing brilliantly from Harvey Elliot's deep cross to make it 2-1 before sliding in to poke home an Andy Robertson cross minutes before the break. Roberto Firmino had opened the scoring at Anfield after just six minutes when he also got on the end of a Robertson cross, but Che Adams equalised almost instantly.
Since arriving from Benfica for £64million, Nunez has endured a chaotic start to life on Merseyside, scoring in his two opening fixtures before being sent off for headbutting Joachim Andersen. But a string of fine performances capped off by seven goals in his last 10 appearances if proof he is now finding his feet.
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And speaking after the result today, Reds right-back Alexander-Arnold praised his teammate's form and versatility - Nunez scored his brace today coming in off the left - adding that he has grown since arriving and is enjoying his football.
Asked if Nunez has shown his personal growth since arriving, Alexander-Arnold said: "Definitely. Coming over to the Premier League, with the price tag on his back, was going to be a heavy weight. It took him a few games to get going but we all saw in training the player he is.
"He's a proper centre-forward with speed but was playing on the wing today, he's versatile. We saw what he could do and he's hit a stride now, he's enjoying his football."
Today's win brings with it a sense of optimism going into the World Cup break after a rollercoaster domestic season, and back-to-back league victories leave the Reds sixth at the final whistle - although that can change if Chelsea and Brighton below them win. Whether the break will allow Jurgen Klopp's side to regroup further or stunt their momentum remains to be seen, but Alexander-Arnold admits that his side did exactly what they needed to do this final week.
"We've had a mixed start to the season, very disappointing results and some good ones," the right-back added added. "You need consistency in this league and we haven't shown that this season. Last week was a big win and we've followed it up this weekend.
"The break will suit some teams, not others. Some will go into the break with momentum and not pick it up afterwards. Others will have wanted it. It can go either way, we'll see when everyone comes back. All you can do is go in with a win and we've done that today."
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