Owen claims Nunez 'was wrong in many ways' after making Hojlund comparison

20 February 2024 , 09:19

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Darwin Nunez chipped Mark Flekken to open the scoring against Brentford (Image: Getty Images)

Michael Owen insists that Darwin Nunez "won't score big numbers" with his finishing technique despite netting in Liverpool's win over Brentford.

The Uruguayan has continued to be a frustrating figure this term with his all round play undermined by his struggles in front of goal. He did notch as the Reds hit four past Brentford after racing clear and chipping the goalkeeper to record his 13th goal of the season.

24 hours later and Rasmus Hojlund continued his fine form for Manchester United as he bagged a brace in their win over Luton Town - his first seeing him round the keeper with his second coming after a neat flick. It means the Dane has scored in five consecutive games and Owen believes his technique will result in far more goals than Nunez.

He told Premier League Productions: “It’s very similar. A long punt or clearance, just like the Liverpool goal. Exactly the same position now. Everything is the same, isn’t it?!

“What does he (Hojlund) do? In fact, it’s probably easier to chip the goalkeeper from here (in comparison to Nunez’s). He has got another four or five yards to get the ball up and down, so it’s the easier finish but still not the right finish.

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“But what does he do? Much more efficiently. He goes around the goalkeeper, that’s what I am saying. That finish, whether you like slotting, dinking or going around like that. In the long term, you are going to score far more goals doing the right percentage finish each time and that’s what Hojlund has just done.

“There are no rights or wrongs in finishing in many ways. Apart from the Nunez one, it’s just wrong in many ways. You just can’t do that and score big numbers. It’s just incredible.”

Rasmus Hojlund continued his impressive form at Luton (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Hojlund initially struggled to find the net when he joined in the summer from Atalanta. He, like Nunez, arrived for a big fee, which only increased the expectation on the young Dane. It wasn't until Boxing Day that he scored his first goal in the league.

Nunez meanwhile has retained the faith of his manager with Jurgen Klopp continuing to deploy the ex-Benfica man. The German recently said: "I am really happy with what I see in the moment and the rest will come, we are completely calm."

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Samuel Meade