The Reds were trailing at the time of Nunez‘s introduction in the 56th minute, but the Uruguayan proved the catalyst for the hosts’ eventual 2-1 victory.

Liverpool scored twice in the space of three minutes midway through the second half, and Nunez assisted both.

As well as assisting both goals, Nunez had the most touches in the opposition box (12), completed the most dribbles (3) and had the joint-highest amount of shots (4), as per OptaJoe.

Talking after the victory over Fulham, coach Jurgen Klopp gave a lot of praise to Darwin Nunez. The German strategist shared:

“He plays outstanding, I have to say it. There are so many things I love about his game,” said Klopp.

“The first year was a year to adapt and he scored here and there but now he contributes in all games.

“The boys don’t start because they score or not score. My belief and trust in them, as long as they behave properly, is endless. They deserve it because of the effort they put in.

“I don’t know how to explain the Darwin situation. I’m so happy about Darwin’s reaction and how he takes it but you cannot be more unlucky in these finishing situations, that’s not possible.

“He does absolutely everything right, yet ball not in. And then he still sets up the other goal. I think that is really special to do that again.”

Nunez has transformed his reputation this campaign, becoming a firm favourite among supporters after losing his place in the side in the second half of last season.

There was even a disappointment that the 24-year-old did not start the first leg of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final, but Klopp went on to explain why

“He would have started tonight, but he had cramps in the last game, so three days later he doesn’t start.

 

Liverpool’s substitutes have contributed 15 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, 12 better than any other Premier League team, and Nunez has been responsible for three goals and four assists.

His contribution was crucial as Klopp had no other options as the six other outfield substitutes were all academy graduates, the oldest of whom was 21-year-old left-back Owen Beck, recalled from a loan spell with Dundee.

The players currently absent, either with injury or international duty, are Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Dominik Szoboszlai, Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas and Stefan Bajcetic.