Darwin Nunez is showing the promise that drew Liverpool to pay a club-record sum for him, according to Virgil van Dijk.

Despite scoring 16 goals in his first season at Anfield, the Uruguayan felt he had failed.

He has already contributed this season, scoring two late goals as a substitute to defeat Newcastle and equalizing with a penalty in their 3-1 Europa League win against LASK in Austria with Mohamed Salah on the bench.

Nunez has three goals and two assists this season, but his impact is far-reaching.

With his hold-up play on the halfway line, the Uruguayan contributed to the second goal after missing two earlier opportunities and being denied a definite goal by goalkeeper Tobias Lawal in the first half.

Liverpool’s captain feels the 24-year-old is becoming the striker they hoped for when they paid Benfica £64m, which may grow to £85m, last summer.

“Everyone contributes whether they start or not. Everyone sees his potential and quality.

With the goal against LASK, Darwin was crucial. Long may it continue with the other lads.

“Upfront, competition is strong. Everyone pushes each other, which is good.”

Ben Doak, Liverpool’s fourth-youngest European player, made his debut aged 17 years and 314 days.

Although the squad struggled in the first half, the young Scot showed glimpses of promise in Salah’s right-wing role.

“It was a big night for him,” Van Dijk said. It wasn’t simple, it was a tough surface, but he could have set up at least two goals in the first half by getting past his guy like no one was there, but nobody was there.

I am happy and delighted for him and his future.

“As you’ve seen in recent weeks, it’s a great group to join.

“We have a lot of quality, younger players, and players who are enjoying new roles.

However, football is about outcomes. Everyone wants to play their best every game, but sometimes you have to find a way, as we did against Wolves (coming back from conceding first to win 3-1).

After conceding a set-piece on Thursday, we kept cool and found a way.”