Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink cast a critical eye on Darwin Nunez after Liverpool thrashed Chelsea 4-1 in the Premier League at Anfield on Wednesday night.
If there was ever a game that summed up Darwin Nunez as a player, then it certainly was this one because he was involved in everything and did everything for Liverpool.
From hitting the woodwork on four occasions, since records began, no player has ever done that in the Premier League.
Then the 24-year-old missed a first-half penalty, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink perplexed because he ‘doesn’t understand’ why Darwin Nunez was given the responsibility for it, as he told Premier League Productions (31/01/24 at 10:30 pm).
After all of that chaos, from Mr Chaos himself, he still managed to register an assist in the second half when Luis Diaz put the cherry on top of the Liverpool cake.
On one hand, this all-action style from the Uruguay star is difficult to play against and a joy to watch because you know he is always involved in the game.
But, on the other hand, what separates the best of the best from the rest, is that clinical edge in the final third, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink alluded to Darwin Nunez now needing to take that step.
Darwin Nunez v Chelsea
“I have never seen that, obviously, it’s the first time,” said Hasselbaink on Nunez hitting the woodwork four times v Chelsea.
“He needs to calm down a little bit. I know he has come for a lot of money. I know people are looking at him that he has to score. But he needs to calm down.
“I don’t understand why he is talking a penalty. I have never seen him take penalties. I don’t understand why Mac Allister isn’t taking the penalties – then this is a sitter and he needs to score that.”
There was a lot of talk about how Liverpool would cope without Mohamed Salah whilst he went to the Africa Cup of Nations – he is now injured – and the answers are there for all to see.
From beating Arsenal in the FA Cup, putting four goals past in-form Bournemouth in the Premier League, thrashing Fulham in the League Cup and now this display against Chelsea.
The Reds have certainly stepped up without their star man, and once again, proven their worth and showcased that they can cope without him.
It also showcases the strength of this Liverpool side because, with only one league defeat this season and that was the controversial game against Tottenham, there isn’t any stopping this Klopp team from winning the title in his last season as boss.
