Darwin Nunez scored Liverpool’s equalizer from the penalty spot against LASK in their Europa League group opener on Thursday, but had already missed a big chance to equalise.
Jurgen Klopp insists Darwin Nunez’s lines in front of goal are not a major concern – as long as he is in the right place at the right time.
Nunez, 24, has experienced mixed fortunes in his debut season at Anfield after joining Liverpool from Benfica in a club-record deal last summer, having been criticized for missing out on several places.
The Uruguayan international has already started this season on the right foot, scoring three goals in six games, including the winner against Newcastle.
He added to that with a goal from the penalty spot in Thursday’s win over LASK,
helping the Reds come from behind again, despite seeing his earlier header blocked from just three yards. But Liverpool boss Klopp played down Nunez’s missed opportunity and credited his timeless attitude for his return to form. Speaking after Austria’s 3-1 win, Klopp said: I’m
“He’s in a very good moment, he understands that his only problem as a striker is that you don’t have chances. He gets chances and scores goals, two of them. mostunbelievable goals I’ve seen against Newcastle in a long, long time, absolutely crazy.
“The super game against Aston Villa, then he had a little muscle problem during the international break. But he’s having a good moment, you can see it in training.
It’s important for a striker that even if you don’t score goals, you can see it in training. you play well and try to keep going, everything will fall into place anyway and that’s how it happens.”
Darwin Nunez scored Liverpool’s equalizer against LASK from the penalty spot
Klopp has plenty of wealth in attacking positions as Nunez competes with Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota for the center of the Reds’ front line, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah currently the main options on either flank.
But Nunez appears to have stolen the pecking order after his strike against Newcastle.
Klopp was able to inject some change at the start of Liverpool’s Europa League campaign as new signing Ryan Gravenberch earned his first start alongside youngster Ben Doak and the returning Stefan Bajcetic. Caoimhin Kelleher, Wataru Endo and Kostas Tsimikas also started, although some experienced stars were needed from the bench to seal the opening win.
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The win means Liverpool remain unbeaten from their first six matches in all competitions.
Asked about his thoughts on the new season, Klopp said”I’m enjoying it massively, from the first day we come back I’m enjoying it. I’ve been absolutely excited about the renewal, the boys, the new way.
We decided last year, that we have to change a lot, but we wanted to change it for good (better), not because we have to.
“So yeah, I’m really excited about it, but we’re not there yet, we’re a long way off – we’ve got so many things, no, we’ve already got a lot of things, a lot of exciting moments, and I think that’s good a start, nothing more. A good start.”
