Jurgen Klopp has admitted he remains enthusiastic about Darwin Nunez as the striker begins to show what he’s made of in a Liverpool shirt.
The 23-year-old was one of the Reds’ standout players as they defeated Ajax 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night with the former Benfica man scoring his fourth goal in four starts during our trip to Amsterdam. .
The Uruguayan international had a rocky start on Merseyside, but now that he appears to be finding his place at his new club, the former Borussia Dortmund manager believes the No. 27 has had a ‘big month’ for the club.
“For all these things, his numbers are incredible, to be absolutely honest,” the German tactician said (quoted by This Is Anfield). “And I’m pretty sure his xG is pretty high as well, he had some chances that he missed, but he also scored and he’s involved in a lot of final moments, a lot of things.
“The steps he’s taking are really big, and that means he’s getting more and more comfortable. A great month for him.”
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Nunez has seven goal contributions in 13 appearances for the FA Cup champions and has really silenced his doubters in recent weeks.
He may have missed an absolute nanny during the first half of our clash with Ajax, but he worked hard and made sure to put his name on the scoresheet for 45 seconds.
Klopp has explained that the £64m man has “incredible” potential and that he is looking forward to helping the former Almeria player develop.
“Nobody knows, they don’t know,” added the German when asked about the levels that Núñez could reach.
“It’s very exciting, but he has to stay fit, he has to be available all the time, and he wasn’t against Nottingham Forest. All of that is important in the life of a professional footballer. So we have to work in all the different areas.
“The potential is incredible. It’s not just speed, the attitude is really good, he’s a real worker, and again I’m telling you, I know there are some people who think “technically, I’m not sure, first touch”, it’s amazing.
“That he doesn’t bring it to the court right now all the time, his first touch can be here or there sometimes, it has nothing to do with technique. It’s a bit late, awareness, orientation and all that kind of stuff, but all of that is possible to develop and learn, obviously, and that’s where we are.
“It’s really exciting, but I have no idea where it can go.”
The striker will be eager to find the back of the net once again when we host Leeds at Anfield on Saturday.
Nunez missed our dismal loss to Nottingham Forest with a muscle injury last weekend, but he hopes we will win again in the Premier League against Jesse Marsch’s side.
#Ep63 of the Podcast The Empire of the Kop: Klopp’s ridiculous accusations of xenophobia, Núñez shining… and more!
