Troy Deeney believes coaching sessions with a controversial former Red could finally get Darwin Nunez firing.
The Uruguayan has scored 33 goals over his first two seasons as a Liverpool player following a big-money move from Benfica. However, he has been accused of being wasteful in front of goal - particularly with presentable chances. He was then benched for the clash with West Ham in the capital.
Deeney believes that Nunez would benefit from one-to-one coaching from Liverpool icon Michael Owen. Writing for The Sun, the former Watford striker said: “If I was Jurgen Klopp — or his likely successor, Arne Slot — I’d be on the phone to Michael Owen asking if he’d come in for sessions with Darwin Nunez.
“The Uruguayan has every physical attribute needed to be a world-class striker but just needs to discover a cool head in front of goal. Nunez has missed more big chances than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues — and if he’d scored a few more of them it might have been the difference between Liverpool winning the title or not.”
Deeney added: “I’d persevere with Nunez, as composure in front of goal can be learnt. He needs something of a split personality, showing aggression outside the box, then switching to cool-headed predator mode to take his chances. Former Reds striker Owen is one of the coolest finishers I’ve ever seen — and that’s why I’d give him a ring.”
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Owen started his career at Anfield after progressing through the Reds’ youth system. He went on to make 297 appearances for the club, scoring 158 goals.
Owen won the Ballon d’Or ahead of a move to Spanish side Real Madrid. It did not work out in Spain and he returned to England with Newcastle ahead of a controversial switch to Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United - where he won the Premier League.
Troy Deeney has urged Liverpool to get in touch with Michael Owen to help Darwin Nunez (Getty Images)Should Liverpool sign a new striker this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Owen has previously criticised Nunez for his finishing. After the striker had scored a stunning goal against Brentford in February, he claimed that he should have kept things simple instead.
“That finish from Darwin Nunez yesterday was insane.” Owen posted on social media. “I can’t stop watching it. And I can’t begin to explain how difficult a skill that is. Moving at pace, the ball running away from you, being inside the box with no room for error.
“Incredible. BUT, it is also further proof that if he is to get closer to becoming the great player many people think he can be, he has to adapt his way of thinking.”
Owen added: "I mean, to even consider that finish is madness. It’s a 1 in 10, 2 in 10 finish at best. Learning to slot, dink or go round the GK is a far more productive way to score and will increase his chances to 4 or 5 in 10, thus massively increasing his end return.
“I’m really not trying to rain on his parade as that goal was pure class. But I’d rather see it when Liverpool are 3-0 up, not at 0-0!”
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