Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was on the score sheet yet again last night.
Nunez has been in terrific form for Liverpool – and Uruguay – all season long. And it was his national team who this time reaped the benefits yesterday.
Heading into last night’s game at La Bombonera, Argentina were on a 14-game winning streak. But Nunez is on some run of his own. Having bagged in Uruguay’s last two fixtures, he was it again against Liverpool teammate Alexis Mac Allister.
As seen on Uruguay’s official Instagram page, the 24-year-old’s goal was a typical one. “The panther is running…” the caption reads. “Nico De La Cruz enabled him, Darwin accelerated, took a break and silenced the Stadium.”
Having seen Lionel Messi of all people lose the ball deep inside their own half, Marcelo Bielsa’s team break. A quick pass from De La Cruz sets Nunez off to chase a long ball from inside his own half.
Comfortably outpacing Nicolas Otamendi, Darwin bares down on Emi Martinez in the Argentina goal. Not phased by the Aston Villa goalkeeper, Liverpool’s No.9 slots it through Martinez’s legs before racing off in celebration. La Pantera strikes again.
La Pantera on the prowl for Uruguay
Just now, Nunez is one of the most dangerous strikers on the planet. If he isn’t scoring then he’s assisting, or generally causing trouble for defenders.
The nickname given to him by those in his homeland – La Pantera – has never felt more appropriate.
Since taking on the No.9 shirt for both club and country, Darwin has been unstoppable. He may be missing some chances still, but he’s burying more than before, too.
With three goals in three games for the national team, Nunez is picking up the mantle from the great Luis Suarez.
Many of his ten goals so far this season have been good ones, but perhaps last night’s is actually his best. It may look like a simple enough finish, but in reality it’s far from it.
First of all, the timing of his run is perfect. Nunez knows he’s got enough to comfortably outpace Otamendi, but he’s calm in his movements, not rushed.
Having then come face-to-face with Martinez, the striker has so much time to think about the finish.
In the past we’ve seen Nunez rush these moments and miss the chance. But here, he looks completely in control. A slight dummy and a pause let the ‘keeper know that he’s in charge, before a slide finish through the legs silences one of the world’s most iconic stadiums. What a moment, what a goal, what a striker.
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