Jurgen Klopp has explained that Darwin Nunez’s progress at Liverpool has been hampered by the language barrier, as the Uruguayan is “still adapting” to life in England. Given his 15 goals and five assists in 37 outings across all competitions, the Reds’ £85 million summer acquisition has come under some unwarranted scrutiny during his first season in Merseyside.
Darwin Nunez has started just one of the Reds’ previous five Premier League games, and he came off the bench again in Monday night’s 6-1 thrashing of Leeds at Elland Road, when he scored. Klopp has explained why the club’s record signing isn’t playing through the middle on a regular basis.
Klopp backs Darwin Nunez to come full circle at Anfield next season
A raw but promising striker, Darwin Nunez has played regularly from the left wing in his debut season at Anfield, and with Luis Diaz now back in contention for minutes, the big-money acquisition faces even more battle for a starting spot. On the other hand, Nunez has been guilty of some dubious finishing and reckless judgements at both ends of the pitch, including a red card against Crystal Palace in only his second Premier League game.
However, Klopp has highlighted the difficulty of adjusting to living in a new nation, as well as the hardships his entire team has faced. The German has also justified his use of Darwin Nunez, even though the 23-year-old is still classified as a striker, claiming that he needs time to adjust to Liverpool’s style of. Klopp said in Friday’s press conference:
“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]. Darwin is a player with a different skillset to our other players – which is good. He’s a real handful, a machine. He will score a lot of goals, and he’s scored a decent number already. But of course he’s still adapting.
“His English still isn’t great but we’re working on that massively. It’s not helpful to go through a debut season when it’s difficult for the whole team. How can a striker shine when the whole team is struggling? It’s not impossible but he’s had some super moments.”
Cody Gakpo has been playing as a false-nine in recent games, similar to how Roberto Firmino did during Klopp’s spell at Anfield. The Reds now have six top-quality forward options, and while it’s a wonderful headache to have, Klopp understands Nunez’s frustration when he is named to the bench. He continued:
“He was injured in some moments, suspended in other moments. That’s not a problem at all. This is a long-term product. I understand that he wants to play desperately from the beginning but we have to find a way that really works for us again.
“I am completely fine with the situation. I understand that Darwin isn’t always fine. He doesn’t smile in my face when he realises he won’t start and says: ‘Thank you, boss!’ But when you have five or six players available up front you have to make decisions. That’s good. The door is miles open. He came on the other night and was exceptional. It was exactly the right way. With five games in the next two weeks, Darwin will start games – definitely.”
Nunez will be fighting for a start against Nottingham Forest this weekend, but Klopp may find it difficult to rotate his squad after thrashing the Whites 6-1. However, they will be missing Roberto Firmino for the game due to an injury that could keep him out for the next few weeks. According to reports, he may potentially be ready to join Barcelona on a free transfer at the conclusion of the season after declining to extend his contract at Anfield.