The partnership between Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunes is paying off. Their relationship is really starting to blossom, and the statistics confirm it. The Uruguayan missed several chances en route to a 4-2 win over Newcastle on New Year’s Day, but Salah helped break the deadlock early in the first half.
Their consistent communication, especially their quick counterattacks, has been particularly effective so far this season as Nunez has been a consistent leader from the front line. Salah and Núñez have created a total of 35 big chances since joining from Benfica in June 2022 (22 from Salah to Núñez and 13 the other way).
These are the same figures that Roberto Firmino and Salah have managed together in the last five seasons. Since the start of the 2018/19 season, only the Sadio Mane-Salah combination has created clear chances (46). important role Nunez was substituted in the 64th minute on Monday, but his name was taken off the scoresheet after taking eight shots for 1.67 xG. Manager Jurgen Klopp has highlighted the former Benfica man’s importance in creating chances for his side. “We were talking outside and it was 100% the right decision to go against Darwin today because he kept [Sven] Botman and [Fabian] Schar together, giving us space for everything. It’s completely different when you have Cody.” .
Although the 24-year-old expressed his disappointment at being relegated, the Liverpool manager added: “Nobody needs to worry about Darwin. He is in good condition. He played very well. Moga gave up the game with a selfish pass.With so many opportunities created, imagine what Nunes could have accomplished if she improved his finishing ability.
