Rio Ferdinand backs Darwin Nunez decision that got Mo Salah seal of approval

Rio Ferdinand had no problem with Darwin Nunez 'stealing' a goal from Mohamed Salah as Liverpool beat RB Leipzig in the Champions League - in fact he praised the Uruguayan for his decision.

There was a little under half an hour on the clock when Salah met a cross from the left and headed towards the far corner. It looked as though the ball might be creeping inside the post, but Nunez raced in to make absolutely sure.

It was just Nunez's second goal of the season, with the other coming in a league victory over Bournemouth in September. Salah's reaction showed he was happy for his team-mate rather than being angry at losing the goal himself.

The Egyptian forward embraced Nunez, after appearing to take a quick glance to make sure his colleague wasn't offside. And, speaking on TNT Sports, Ferdinand made his own feelings clear.

"As a squad they would want him to be the one on the scoresheet," Ferdinand said. "They need everyone if they're going to be battling for trophies. To get a bit of confidence what better for a striker than to get on the scoresheet.

"[Salah's header] could have bounced back onto the post or it could have gone in. If there's a little bit of doubt, you've got to put it in the back of the net and that's what strikers do."

Nunez's goal ended up deciding the game, with Liverpool needing just the one against Marco Rose's side. It means they are one of just two teams with a perfect record in this season's Champions League, though Aston Villa remain ahead of them on goal difference.

Will Darwin Nunez kick on after his winner? Have your say in the comments section

Former Benfica star Nunez hasn't started any of Liverpool's last three league games, but played an hour against Chelsea after Diogo Jota was forced off through injury early on. This means he could come into the starting XI for Sunday's trip to Arsenal, and it wasn't just the goal which gave Ferdinand reason to believe things can improve quickly.

"[Nunez's] all-round game was much better, much cleaner," the former Manchester United star added. "He was involved in most of the key moments. I think he was in the right areas to score goals. His work rate is one of his main traits.

"He was involved in all the good stuff that Liverpool did tonight and that's what you want from your striker. Especially as he's searching for some confidence – if you an do that in that mode, when he gets a bit of momentum and confidence he could be a player."

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