Jurgen Klopp has revealed that the “main difference” in Darwin Nunez’s game this season is his defensive work rate.
Nunez was signed for a whopping £65m by Liverpool from Benfica last summer, but was in and out of the starting lineup throughout the 2022/23 campaign – stating 19 of his 29 Premier League appearances.
Despite this and the signing of Cody Gakpo – a player who thoroughly impressed in the second half of last season – Liverpool showed faith in Nunez as their potential starting striker during the summer by giving the Uruguayan the club’s famous number nine jersey.
And since then, Nunez has more than repaid that faith shown. The Uruguayan has tallied four goal contributions thus far during 2023/24, with his most recent one being a stunning volleyed goal in the 3-1 win over West Ham United at Anfield.
Speaking to the press after that win, Klopp was asked about the clear improvements in Nunez’s performances in recent weeks, replying:
“Massive steps in the last few weeks. He is a threat. You all saw the goal, it was probably pretty good, right? That was really strong. He was always available for us, it is super-important for us that we have now – I am not sure it’s the right word – a ball player.
“Chip the ball there, get it on the chest and play from there, like we scored the third at Wolves for example. I think that was a similar situation and super-important for us.
“The defensive work he puts in now, that’s probably the main difference. He always wanted, but it was less coordinated. Now that looks much better and we found a way how we can do it around him. Curtis and Dom help there a lot with how flexible they are in that way. Really good, absolutely.”
Nunez will be hoping to continue his fine form when Liverpool face off against Leicester City in the EFL Cup in midweek, and an in-form Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday in north London.
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