Virgil van Dijk's thoughts on Darwin Nunez as Liverpool ramp up their pursuit of the Benfica star
Virgil van Dijk has named Darwin Nunez of Liverpool as one of his toughest opponents.
After a stellar season with Benfica, the Reds are reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old striker. In 41 appearances for the Portuguese giants this season, he scored 34 goals and provided four assists, helping them reach the Champions League quarterfinals.
Liverpool knocked Benfica out of Europe, but Nunez scored in both legs. His goal at the Estadio da Luz was a classic poacher's finish, capitalizing on a defensive blunder, while his goal at Anfield demonstrated his ability to get in behind the back line.
Those performances are thought to have persuaded Jurgen side to take an interest in Nunez. Benfica have paid £85 million for the 11-cap Uruguay international, who is valued at £49.5 million by Transfermarkt and has three years left on his current contract.
Nunez received a glowing recommendation from Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk ahead of the Reds' Champions League final loss to Real Madrid in May. When asked to name his most difficult opponents, the Dutchman named five top strikers, including Nunez.
Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland were also on Van Dijk's list. "He's a bit similar [to Haaland] - very direct, quick, tall, strong, and it's quite difficult to play against him," the centre-back said of Nunez.
Transfer target for Liverpool Darwin Nunez is hesitant to join Manchester United this summer because the club will not compete in the Champions League next season next season and According to The Mirror, he is considering his other options.
United and Liverpool are just two of the clubs interested in signing Benfica's 22-year-old forward. The Uruguayan scored 34 goals in 41 appearances for the Portuguese side in 2021/22 and has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after forwards ahead of the summer transfer window. He scored six Champions League goals, including two against Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
According to The Mirror, the Uruguayan is desperate to return to the competition next season, which is a "issue" for the Red Devils. Last week, it was reported that United had emerged as the favorite to sign him.
With the signing of the forward, new manager Erik ten Hag hopes to kickstart his rebuilding project at Old Trafford. However, after finishing sixth last season, the Dutchman's side will only compete in the Europa League next season, and the latest development has given the Reds hope as they prepare to deal with Sadio Mane's impending departure.
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