By Alan Hutton

31st Aug, 2023 | 6:34am

Liverpool have already landed Mohammed Salah's successor - pundit

Mohammed Salah’s exit could pave the way for Darwin Nunez to get back into the Liverpool starting lineup.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton said Nunez seems to be “thriving” off the pressure of being a Reds player in a way that he was unable to last season.

The 24-year-old has been a substitute in all of Liverpool’s fixtures so far this season and has been utilised off the bench in all three.

The attacker was subbed on in Sunday’s (27 August) clash against Newcastle United and scored twice to help the Merseysiders come from a goal down to win 2-1.

Nunez joined the Reds last summer and had a difficult start to life in the Premier League and managed 15 goals in 42 appearances.

According to reports in Saudi Arabia, as relayed by the Daily Express (27 August), Reds star Mohammed Salah is likely to leave Merseyside before the transfer deadline.

When asked if his cameo on Sunday proves Nunez deserves a spot in the starting lineup, Hutton told Football Insider: “I do not see why not.

“Is [Cody] Gakpo a full number nine I am not so sure, I think Nunez gives you some of that. He can hold the ball up, score goals. When he’s on song he’s incredible.

“I think for him last season was him bedding in to the Premier League and what it takes to be a Liverpool player and I think you can see he is thriving off it now, you can see his celebrations.

“We will have to wait and see what happens with Salah, if he leaves there could be more opportunities there for Nunez.”

In other news, Liverpool defender set to join new club as late move gets green light.