Scott Minto has told talkSPORT that Darwin Nunez will give Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp an ‘extra dimension’ after the Anfield side signed the striker from Benfica earlier this summer.
The former Chelsea and Benfica defender is confident that Nunez will allow Klopp to shake up his tactics this season. He believes the Uruguayan will offer a different attacking threat than the Reds have boasted for many years, and is not just an out-and-out centre-forward.
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Nunez moved to Merseyside this June for an initial £64m, and he could become Liverpool’s record-signing at £85m after add-ons. The 23-year-old also agreed to a six-year contract at Anfield, following two terms at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica after one at America.
Klopp felt confident in Liverpool breaking the bank to sign Nunez after his stunning season last term. The 11-cap international offered 34 goals and four assists across 41 appearances in all competitions. Six of his strikes also came during 10 outings in the Champions League.
Darwin Nunez has ‘everything’ and gives Liverpool ‘extra dimension’, says Minto
Liverpool saw first-hand what Nunez could offer in the Premier League before signing him from Benfica. The Artigas native scored home and away against the Reds in Europe, with a right-footed strike past Alisson Becker in Lisbon and again on his visit to Anfield this April.
Nunez recorded 17 of his 34 goals last season in all competitions with his right-foot. The 6 ft 1 marksman also found the back of the net five times with his left boot, six with his head and from six penalties. They, together, also led to Benfica taking 16 wins over 21 matches.
Mohamed Salah was Liverpool’s top-scorer in the Premier League last term with 23 goals in 35 games. He offered 19 with his left-foot and four with his right, while Sadio Mane hit the Reds’ most right-footed strikes with nine of his total 16-goal haul over 34 appearances.
Minto, though, believes Nunez will now offer Liverpool more than just goals after signing from Benfica. Instead, he senses the forward will allow Klopp to unleash a new-look attack.
“Nunez is not just a typical No.9,” Minto stated. “He can work the channels, he can drop in, he can play on the left, although he’s got a big physique.
“Technically, he’s got absolutely everything and if you stick the balls in the box, which is something Liverpool haven’t been able to do over the last couple of years, he will get on the end of that, as well. That’s where the extra dimension is.”
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