Darwin Nunez was 'sucked in' by Joachim Andersen before his headbutt but Crystal Palace defender boasts better Premier League stats than Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Marc Guehi loves playing with him

Darwin Nunez was ‘sucked in’ by Joachim Andersen’s tactics before his headbutt, but the Crystal Palace defender has far more to his game than just that.

Andersen was the recipient of a nasty close-encounter with Liverpool’s forward in their 1-1 draw, hitting the deck with the Uruguayan then seeing a straight red card.

Nunez was sent off for this headbutt on Crystal Palace's AndersenCredit: Sky Sports

But the Palace defender had a night to rememberCredit: Getty

The 57th-minute incident helped Palace to a point at Anfield against Jurgen Klopp’s ten men, with the Reds unable to find a winner after Luis Diaz’ second-half equaliser.

Nunez and Andersen had been battling throughout the game, culminating in the incident, and Ally McCoist felt it was coming.

“I thought Andersen sucked him in a bit if I’m honest with you,” the talkSPORT pundit said.

“In no way shape or form am I making any excuse for him as it’s completely unacceptable, but I’m just trying to find a reason for it.”

Andersen may well have evoked the dark arts to provoke Nunez into a reaction, but it wasn’t just the lack of a striker that stopped Liverpool taking three points, but also the Danish defender’s overall performance.

Andersen had to show off his defending skills to keep Liverpool at bay, and in an 2-0 loss against Arsenal on the opening weekend, it was all about his passing.

Andersen has plenty to his game on top of being a monster in the airCredit: AFP

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Jamie Carragher was blown away by the former Lyon and Fulham man’s showing against the Gunners, even going as far as comparing him to Barcelona legend Ronald Koeman for his passing range.

After jokingly comparing the two in the first 45, Carragher added: “I thought I was getting a bit carried away when I called Andersen Ronald Koeman in the first half, but I don’t think I was.”

The stats back it up too, with Andersen leading the game against Arsenal in touches, passes, final third passes, long passes, duels won and clearances.

The 26-year-old had to put in a more restrained display as Liverpool piled on the pressure in matchday two, but maintained his 100 per cent record in the air winning all six aerial duels this term, and his numbers were just as good last season.

Andersen continues to improve his passing from his Fulham stintCredit: Getty

But his passing was where Andersen really stands out, registering 253 long passes in the Premier League last season, the most of any outfield player, 50 ahead of second-placed Trent Alexander-Arnold.

His tackling was also on point last term, winning possession in 77 per cent of his duels, the highest rate of any defender in the league.

On top of all that, his 6ft 4ins frame also came in handy, with only Manchester City’s Ruben Dias registering more assists than Andersen’s three when it comes to centre backs.

Patrick Vieira will undoubtedly be delighted that his £17million signing from Lyon has continued his form into the current campaign, and even happier that he’s doing so in a partnership with another top talent, Marc Guehi.

Andersen has a head for goal, and clearancesCredit: AFP

“Me and Jo get on really well on and off the pitch,” the England international told talkSPORT.

“I think for me I’m really learning from him, he’s been playing in so many different leagues and he’s got so much experience and I think we vibe off each other really well.

“It’s me learning, him leading a lot, so I think it’s a good mix between us both.”