‘Completely unfair’ – Alan Shearer hits back at critics of Liverpool star Darwin Nunez

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has defended Liverpool star Darwin Nunez and believes he can become a world-class striker.

Nunez has had a mixed start at Anfield since joining from Benfica last summer in a deal that could net a club record £85 million.

The Uruguay international has been criticized for missing big chances and while 10 goals in 23 appearances is a decent feat so far, it pales in comparison to Erling Haaland, who has scored 27 goals in the same number of appearances for Manchester City.

Still, many have advised him to improve massively over the course of the season, and Shearer is the latest to do so.

“Put that against his transfer fee, compare his goals to Haaland’s, the Norwegian’s lower price and Liverpool’s struggles in the Premier League, plus those vile chants from opponents that he’s ‘just like Andy Carroll’ and it sees not looking good, right?

However, most of this is extremely unfair. Nunez is a modern striker in the same form as Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane, not a traditional centre-forward and certainly not a goalscorer like Haaland.

‘But who? It’s not that long ago when a goal in any other game was considered a nice return for most players and maybe Haaland, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have changed our perspective.

“But they are outliers, not the norm. Not everyone can do it.’

With Liverpool struggling this season, currently sixth in the table and seven points from the top four, Nunez may have become an easy scapegoat, but Shearer believes the 23-year-old cannot take the blame.

“Nunez’s goals for Liverpool are viewed through the prism of unease,” the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer added.

“Jurgen Klopp’s side have been weak defensively, but their big problem is that they keep playing a high line without the energy to push into midfield and I don’t see Nunez as a major factor in that.

“If Nunez doesn’t get good chances on a regular basis I’d be scared for him and Liverpool, but he is.”

“His involvement in Liverpool’s shots and creating chances is not only the highest for his team, but also greater than that of any previous Premier League player. It shows that he is engaged, decisive and willing.

“He has plenty of time to become the world-class striker he could be with all his attributes and he has enough knowledgeable people at Liverpool to help him get there, including the fans who continue to support him.

“Right now it’s about training, fighting, practicing relentlessly, taking comfort in that battle and honing those skills. He’ll make it.”

Nunez should be next in action when Liverpool travel to Brighton on Saturday.