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RB Leipzig 0-1 Liverpool – Champions League Man of the Match

Darwin Núñez – Liverpool FC

With his second goal of the season, finally we are starting to see the player that might well become under the new leadership of Arne Slot. Following a superb showing (when coming on) against Chelsea on Sunday, Darwin Núñez maintained his place on the team sheet for this midweek Champions League encounter against Bundesliga outfit, RB Leipzig.

Diogo Jota sustained a damaged rib against the west London outfit in that 2-1 win at Anfield, something which forced the Portuguese poacher from the pitch before half time. Where an unfortunate incident has caused complaint to one striking red, so a door has opened to another central forward.

https://twitter.com/lfctransferroom/status/1849197410745979172?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

The man that has taken advantage has chosen to break that door down, with a gusto that the fanbase adores.

As a livewire that can be unpredictable and perhaps frustration heavy in front of goal, this season has seen him utilised only as a centre forward. Under the former manager, Jürgen Klopp, there was often a desire to move the jet heeled attacker to the left wing, allowing his physical prowess to expand on the flank. That option appears a nonstarter this year and every players role already seems utterly defined, something which is increasing consistency for certain individuals.

With a goal that was lashed home from a yard out, that yard was the difference between Darwin scoring and his Egyptian teammate, Mohamed Salah, adding to his extraordinary personal tally. Luckily for the surrounding cast and support, the man in dire need of a goal got to the ball before it crossed the line, allowing the record-breaking Salah, a mere assist instead of a goal.

With a determination to press and work the channels, the man that can split the fanbase appears to have settled under a new boss and may well have a period to stamp his authority on the forward line.

It must be noted that the trio of Caoimhin Kelleher, Ibrahima Konaté, and Virgil van Dijk, were equally outstanding and all three could have easily been selected for the man of the match award. Against a side that is designed to disrupt and score goals, the backline and backup keeper was immense from minute one until the final bell, something which could be ominous for the rest of Europe.

Arne Slot is over achieving and it is a wonderful thing to see, let us see what comes next.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

RB Leipzig 2 – 2 Liverpool

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