Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has clarified why Darwin Nunez isn’t playing through the middle regularly following his £85million switch from Benfica last summer. The Uruguayan has started just one of the Reds’ last five Premier League matches and once again found himself on the bench in Monday night’s 6-1 demolition of Leeds at Elland Road – in which he scored.
The raw but exciting frontman has featured prominently from the left flank in his debut season at Anfield and with Luis Diaz now back in contention for minutes, the big-money arrival is facing even more competition in his quest to nail down a starting berth.
Now Klopp has defended his use of Nunez, stating he needs time to adapt to Liverpool’s style of play – even if he still considers the 23-year-old to be a striker.
“He’s a centre forward but we need a specific set-up to play and defend from the centre but we have to understand as a team [to defend from the centre],” Klopp declared.
“We’ve had to adapt to different defending and striker up front, that’s how it is.”
In recent matches, Cody Gakpo has been operating as a false-nine, carrying out the same role as Roberto Firmino during Klopp’s Anfield tenure.
The Reds are now stacked with six top-quality forward options and while it’s a nice headache to have, Klopp recognises that Nunez is frustrated whenever he is named on the bench.
“Darwin is a player with a different skillset to all our other players. He is a machine. He is still adapting. His English is still not great,” he added.
“How can a striker shine when the team is struggling? But he has had super moments.
“I understand Darwin is not always fine when he doesn’t start, smiling in my face, but it’s absolutely fine.
“When we have 5/6 players up front, I have to make decisions. The door is miles open for all the boys. He was exceptional against Leeds. Everyone who came on was on fire.”
Nunez will be pushing for a start against Nottingham Forest this weekend although Klopp could find it hard to rotate his side after sticking six goals past the Whites.
They will be without Roberto Firmino for the contest though after the Brazilian picked up an injury problem that could see him miss the next few matches.
Reports suggest he could now be set to join Barcelona on a free transfer at the end of the season after deciding not to extend his Anfield contract.
Diogo Jota is also back amongst the goals following a prolonged barren run after striking twice against Leeds.
The Portuguese forward is expected to keep his place in the starting XI meaning Nunez may have to wait to seal his return to the fold.
Liverpool are still in with a shout of finishing inside the top four although they remain nine points adrift of Newcastle, who occupy fourth spot.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
