Given praises Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez for his ‘mental toughness’

Former Aston Villa and Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has heaped praise on Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez after he helped the Reds defeat West Ham United.

Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring against the Hammers after fine work from the Uruguayan attacker before Jarrod Bowen equalised.

With the score level, Alexis Mac Allister lofted a gorgeous pass over the West Ham defence, and Nunez dispatched it with a brilliant volley to give Liverpool the lead.

Diogo Jota scored to secure the win for Liverpool that moved them to second in the league table after five straight wins.

They also opened their Europa League campaign with a victory over LASK in midweek, and Nunez bagged a goal.

The former Benfica striker looks rejuvenated, holding the ball up well and bringing his contagious energy to the pitch.

Given praised his impact on Liverpool, saying (via the BBC): “When I watched them beat Newcastle with ten men last month, Liverpool got a bit lucky, I suppose, but Darwin Nunez did brilliantly to win the game for them – and he scored another big goal against the Hammers to put Liverpool 2-1 up.

“Nunez was very hit-and-miss with his finishing last season, but I love the fact he doesn’t let it faze him if he fails to put away a big chance.

“It happened in the second half against West Ham, when he saw his shot skim the post from close range, but then less than seven minutes later, he buried his next chance, which was actually a lot harder.

“Having that mental toughness is such a big positive for any striker, and the more goals he scores, the more relaxed Nunez is going to be in front of goal.”

Nunez has now scored four goals for Liverpool this season. He still needs to improve his finishing, as he has already missed eight big chances, but his mental toughness will keep him going.

His all-round play is much better, and he helps to bring others into the game, like Anfield cult hero Roberto Firmino.

Nunez will hope to keep up this good form for the rest of the season as the Merseyside club challenges for multiple titles.