FORWARD THINKING
Darwin Nunez vs Sadio Mane: How Benfica striker compares to Liverpool star as Klopp lines him up as transfer replacement
LIVERPOOL are lining up a blockbuster move for Benfica ace Darwin Nunez to replace wantaway forward Sadio Mane.
The Senegalese star is demanding a move away from Anfield after six years with Jurgen Klopp's side.
The Reds have turned down a "laughable" bid of an initial £23.5million plus a potential £6.5m in add-ons.
Klopp and Co are holding out for £43m... while planning for life after Mane.
Liverpool are set to gazump rivals Man United by signing Benfica hotshot Nunez for a deal worth up to £86m.
With reports in Portugal suggesting that a deal is imminent, we compare Nunez's output last season to that of Mane.
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The Uruguayan's numbers come with the caveats that he played in the Portuguese top flight rather than the Premier League, and that he was deployed down the middle rather than Mane's predominant wide forward role.
Even under that lens, Nunez's achievements in Liga NOS are impressive.
At just 22, he bagged 26 goals in 28 top flight appearances last term, compared to Mane's 16 in 34.
The Senegalese scored 0.5 goals per 90, while Nunez managed an amazing 1.2.
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Nunez took more shots per 90, with 3.9 compared to Mane's 3.1.
But he also laid on more assists, with four in comparison to Mane's total of just two.
Nunez also edged the 30-year-old when it came to chances created per 90, with 1.4 compared to 1.3.
His role as a central striker may suit Klopp's new look Liverpool featuring Luis Diaz.
Following the Colombian's January arrival, Mane was often moved from the left flank to the centre.
Playing through the middle could suit Nunez more naturally than Liverpool's current No10.
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