Fabinho has suggested that Darwin Nunez’s new best friend at Liverpool is Roberto Firmino.
In quotes relayed by The Independent following Liverpool’s Community Shield victory, Fabinho assessed Nunez’s performances so far.
“He is in a period of adaptation. We saw he is getting better. In the first game of pre-season he didn’t know the team really well but we have done three weeks of training so he knows a little bit the way we play,” said the 28-year-old. “We are learning a little bit more about the way he plays. We know he is fast and strong and a proper number nine who will be in the box. It looks like the ball will follow him and he will always get chances to score.”
Fabinho was keen to stress the importance of Darwin ensuring he learns from those players already at the club. The Brazilian pointed out that the 23-year-old should spend time learning from both Firmino and Diogo Jota.
“To be honest, we always want to play and always think we are ready to play in a new team and a new league and are ready for the intensity. But we learn from the players who play longer at Liverpool so it is important for him to learn with Bobby (Roberto Firmino) and Diogo (Jota),” he said.
Darwin feeling at home already
To that end, Fabinho has issued a positive update. According to Liverpool’s number 3, Nunez has been spending plenty of time with Firmino.
“He has a really good relationship with Bobby, they are always together and I think Bobby gives him some tips so it will be important for him to learn from a player like him But he is the kind of player like Luis (Diaz) – you can put him in the team and he will score goals and do a good job and he will give a lot of work for the opposition defenders.”
During pre-season, we have seen just how close Liverpool’s throng of South American and Spanish speaking players is.
This will be making Nunez’s adaptation period all the easier. The benefit of having players like Firmino on-hand and ready to help can’t be overstated.
Thiago Alcantara is another who has clearly been doing his best to help the new-boy settle in. Thiago has won almost everything there is to win in football and can pass on advice on a professional as well as personal level.
It’s also important to note that Nunez has a young family. We don’t always think of footballers as human beings with family’s, but of course, they are.
Joining a group of mature players who have been around the club and the area for some time, he shouldn’t struggle for freindships.
Breaking up the bromance
Unfortunately, it could be that we only ever see one season of this budding bromance. Firmino only has a year left to run on his current deal and his future on Merseyside hangs in the balance right now.
Liverpool have been known to extend contracts of players who’s influence in the dressing outweighs that on the pitch. Firmino may not be as vocal as a James Milner, but he’s no-less important to behind-the-scenes atmosphere.
Bobby is also still contributing on the pitch, too. Extending his terms seems like a no-brainer. Hopefully the club see things the same way and don’t rid Nunez of his new best friend.
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