RIVALS DRESSED UP TO THE NINES
TWO strikers who “terrify” defenders will lock horns tomorrow looking to land a huge blow in the Premier League title battle.
Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland are front men who fit perfectly into their respective sides but there are many differences between the two ponytailed goal poachers.
Liverpool against Manchester City in the fight for top spot could well be decided by two No.9s.
Haaland, 23, has scored 29 goals this season in all competitions in what is supposed to be a quieter campaign for him. Nunez, 24, has 16 for the Reds this term but his 12 goal contributions since the turn of the year shows he’s a man in form. How do you go about stopping them? It’s no easy feat according to former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson (inset).
“Nunez frightens defenders because he can get into his stride extremely quickly,” said Lawrenson, a five-time league winner with the Merseysiders. “You need to give him half a yard but then the pitch is massive. Two or three steps and he’s away from people. You’re on the edge of the seat when he gets the ball because you never know what he’s going to do.
“If he gets in front of you, he’s gone. But then there is the unpredictability. You don’t know which post or bar he will hit next!”
On the other hand, Haaland is calm, composed and ruthless.
Lawrenson added: “I would suggest that Haaland doesn’t cover the amount of ground that Nunez does. Haaland’s relationship with Kevin De Bruyne is something special though, they link up so well.
“He’s a brute and if he gets in front of you it is good night.”