Liverpool attacker Darwin Nunez has continued his fine form after another important display for Uruguay.
The 25-year-old certainly had his struggles at Anfield last season, although he did end the season with 18 goals in all competitions.
That goalscoring form was carried into the national team, with Nunez banging in a hat-trick in a friendly clash with Mexico earlier this month.
That display in the 4-0 win drew praise from the Uruguayan national press, with the forward undoubtedly then full of confidence heading into Copa America.
First up for Uruguay was a meeting with Panama in Group C, with the former emerging victorious at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Uruguay national press disagree over Darwin Nunez display
The Uruguayans ran out 3-1 winners, with Maximiliano Araujo, Nunez and Matias Vina on target for the victors, with Michael Amir Murillo netting for Panama.
Liverpool star Nunez featured for the entire 90 minutes, with El Observador waxing lyrical over his overall display for the nation.
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Handing the striker an eight out of 10 match rating, the publication wrote: “Darwin’s performance in the first half was impressive.
“At 11 minutes he demanded a penalty, which did not exist. At 17 minutes, after clearing two marks, he finished from outside the area and Orlando Mosquera prevented the goal from falling.
“At 28 minutes a goal was lost in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He went to all of them. He assumed the role of leader of the attack.
“At 84 minutes he scored the goal and had the reward that he deserved so much throughout the game. He made it 2-0.”
El Observador added: The intensity that Nunez brought to each of his interventions in attack and what Vina played marked the two highest points for Uruguay in the first half.”
But fellow publication FutbolUy certainly didn’t view the performance like that, noting: “He scored the goal that closed the game and gave Uruguay peace of mind.
“On a general level, he did not complete a good performance. He lost confidence as the minutes passed and wasted several very clear goal situations.
“He is ineffective and insecure in making decisions. In the complement, he left the area a lot to make contact with the ball.”
Darwin Nunez can shine for Liverpool under Arne Slot
Nunez’s latest display for his national team perhaps summarises his time at Liverpool so far, with many fans still undecided over his ability.
The attacker has proven that he knows how to find the back of the net for the Reds, but he has also proven his lack of prowess in the box on several occasions.
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Perhaps it is an issue of confidence for the 25-year-old, who has become a hit among the Anfield faithful despite his roller-coaster form.
There is, however, plenty of hope that he can finally become the player that fans know is there, with Nunez certain to be full of confidence thanks to his recent Uruguay feats.
While confidence may be playing a role, it could also come down to tactics, with Nunez operating in different roles for club and country.
Jurgen Klopp often played the attacker out wide, and indeed at times from the bench. But in stark contrast, he is a starter for Uruguay, and importantly plays centrally.
If Arne Slot can adopt the same approach for Nunez as Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa does, then the forward may just be in for a superb season in red.