Maxi Rodriguez’s advice played a part in persuading Liverpool to sign Darwin Nunez this summer.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that the former Liverpool star helped convince the club that he would fit in at Anfield.
Rodriguez played with Nunez while he was still a teenager at Penarol. The Argentine reportedly ‘testified’ that the young striker was a ‘fighter’ who would push himself further than the other youngsters at the club.
Crucially, Maxi also reportedly commended Darwin’s tendency for turning up early for training. Jurgen Klopp is said to be a stickler for time-keeping and this was yet another tick in Nunez’s box.
It’s even claimed that, true to form, the 22-year-old turned up ‘much earlier than anyone expected’ to his Liverpool unveiling last week. That’s sure to get two big thumbs up from Jurgen!
Liverpool leaving a lasting impression
It’s great to hear of former Liverpool players helping the club conduct their due diligence with regard to transfers.
We saw the same thing during Liverpool’s pursuit of Luis Diaz in January. On that occasion, it was Marko Grujic who was approached to comment on the Colombian’s personality.
These kind of stories help give an insight into the thorough approach that Liverpool take when it comes to new signings.
It also shows how once you’ve played for Liverpool, you’re forever connected to the club.
Of the three clubs that Rodriguez represented in Europe during his career, he spent the least amount of time at Liverpool. He could be forgiven if the club didn’t leave much of a lasting impression on him, under-performing as The Reds were at the time.
But no, there is clearly still a relationship there. With respect to Maxi, who had his moments in a Liverpool shirt, it’s brilliant that the club maintain that closeness with players who may otherwise have been forgotten.
Rodriguez featured in the most recent ‘Liverpool Legends’ charity game against Manchester United in May. The following day, he was at Anfield as Liverpool beat Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It was just a short time, but his Liverpool career clearly left a lasting impression. Let’s hope Darwin’s can do the same.