Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp highlights changes in Darwin Nunez since last season while emphasising that goals will come
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pointed out the difference in Darwin Nunez since last season, adamantly claiming that goals will come. Nunez started the current season in spectacular form, single-handedly winning the game against Newcastle United with 10-men Liverpool as well.
However, the Uruguay international is currently going through a goal drought, without scoring a goal in the last nine games. The 24-year-old has received criticism for failing to convert many big goalscoring chances, almost costing the match.
Liverpool are currently second in the Premier League table, congested at the top with Arsenal leading by a point. The situation leaves no margin for error for every team and due to the high stakes, every chance holds importance.
Liverpool drew 1-1 against Luton Town in a game where Darwin had multiple opportunities to secure a victory. Nunez has struggled with a lack of composure in front of goal for Liverpool while thriving at the international level.
The 24-year-old has solidified his place as the main forward for Uruguay, scoring in critical games against Argentina and Brazil. The Uruguayan has also struggled with offside traps while playing for the Reds, facing the ire of some critical fanbase.
However, Darwin has been fantastic with his link-up plays, particularly with leading goal scorer Mohamed Salah. The 24-year-old has notched up seven goals and eight assists in all competitions from 25 appearances.
Klopp told Ben Foster in an Amazon Prime Video Sport interview that he’s happy with what Darwin has shown him. He said:
“He [Nunez] stays in the games, he’s super positive in and around the game. He was a little bit aggressive in the wrong way at the beginning, now he is aggressive in the right way. I am really happy with what I see in the moment and the rest will come, we are completely calm. Could he have scored more goals? Yes, of course. Could he have had more situations? I don’t think so, he has all the moments and now we have to work on the last touch.”
Nunez works hard for his team and contributes massively to the high-pressing and counter-pressing system deployed by Klopp. Some might argue that the system accommodating Trent Alexander-Arnold contributes to part of his struggle.
The Liverpool vice-captain has played as an inverted right-back which leaves a lack of overlapping right-back in the attacking phases. Without an overlapping fullback to stretch the opposition’s defence, the spaces in the middle get congested.
Therefore, the big chances usually come in tight spaces with the lack of time to react. The situation does not excuse Darwin from the obvious issue of composure but it is a mitigating factor for sure.
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It is worth pointing out that some of the criticisms are downright unwarranted, driven by bias, hate and agendas. Regardless, Darwin needs to take them constructively and apply his aggression at the right places. The 24-year-old lacked confidence at times and hopefully, a few goals will correct his form in the coming games. He showed against West Ham that he is not afraid to put in the effort and even laid off an excellent assist to Curtis Jones for the latter’s second goal.
