‘Give me Darwin Nunez over Anthony Martial any day!’ – Liverpool striker defended in passionate rant ahead of Arsenal clash

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez may be guilty of wastefulness in front of goal — but he is a better option up top compared to Anthony Martial.

That is the view of ex-Chelsea star and talkSPORT host Andy Townsend, who believes the Uruguay international is a midfielder's dream centre-forward.

An £85million signing from Benfica last summer, the 24-year-old has flattered to deceive in terms of his goal return.

Scoring just nine Premier League goals in his opening campaign in England, he has found the back of the net just four times in 16 top-flight outings this term.

He is without a league goal since October 29, with his poor finishing on show in recent weeks to draw criticism from fans and pundits.

But Townsend isn't worried about his form, insisting his work rate makes him stand out amongst other stuttering strikers — namely Manchester United's Martial.

Speaking about Nunez on the talkSPORT Breakfast show, Townsend said: «I like him. I'm happy to go out there and say it.

»And I know there people will be people saying, 'Hold on, look at his numbers'.

«Your numbers are everything as a striker, but you know what? Give me him over some of the other lot — like Anthony Martial — who stands around doing nothing.

»Darwin Nunez is permanently on the move, he's running 100mph everywhere, yes he misses a lot of chances..."

Interjecting, co-host Ally McCoist stated: «You know something Andy?

»If he can just calm down a little bit, that split second before he finishes, and just gives himself the split second of time that separates the top finishers from the other ones...

«Because you're right! His work rate, his willingness to run, he's a physical unit, he's quick enough.»

Townsend then concluded by remarking: «But when he runs, as a midfield