21 April 2023 , 17:47
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Glen Johnson has named Darwin Nunez as Liverpool's most impressive player this season - and admitted his style of play suits the Premier League down to a tee.
Nunez, 22, has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 24 top-flight appearances since his big-money move from Benfica last summer. He has added a further four strikes in the Champions League and also found the back of the net in the FA Cup and Community Shield to take his tally up to 15 in all competitions.
But it isn't his goals or assists that have made a positive impression on Liverpool fans. Nunez has good movement, is a constant threat and makes the unselfish runs for his teammates. The Uruguayan can play anywhere across the forward line but has most predominately featured either on the left-wing or in the no.9 berth - where he has shone.
When asked about the Liverpool player that has impressed him the most this season, Johnson told Mirror Football, via AceOdds: "I'd probably say Nunez has impressed me. There's a few, to be honest.
"I think there's probably been a couple more by their standards, slightly more disappointing than good. But I think Nunez is, that's what Liverpool have done so well over the years.
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"They bought players that maybe didn't have the biggest name or biggest CV at the point of signing them, but they knew they was on the upward curve and they've delivered almost straight away.
"So I think that's what Liverpool have done very well. And he's one of them. Certainly with [Luis] Diaz as well. So, yes, I'd probably say Nunez was a big positive and I think he could be a great player for many years now. I think he's really enjoying the Premier League and he suits that sort of style."
Which Liverpool player has impressed you most this season? Let us know in the comments below!
Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring against Leeds on Monday (Getty Images)Meanwhile, Johnson also decided to name the Liverpool player he has been most disappointed with this term. The ex-Reds right-back singled out Virgil van Dijk's decline as something that has surprised him, due to the standard he has set during his time at Anfield so far. This is despite Van Dijk recently being named in the 2022 FIFPRO XI.
Johnson added: "Disappointments, I guess it's the obvious, I think Van Dijk is probably one that stands out. And that's only, again, credit to him because of how high he set the bar. So you know he's capable of doing it and he makes it look super easy when it's all going well.
"But because he is calm and relaxed and usually in control when it's not going his way, it doesn't look great. So, yeah, I'd probably say he's a disappointment, but you don't become a bad player overnight.
"So I think once he finds a bit of form, other players around him will start improving again, like we saw last season. I don't think it's a long term issue, I just think, for whatever reason, there's just a dip in form in a minute."