Jurgen Klopp has indicated that Darwin Nunez might have to begin life on the bench during Liverpool’s Premier League opener away at Fulham on Saturday, speaking to the Liverpool Echo.
Then again, that does not mean the club’s marquee summer signing won’t end up making his mark at Craven Cottage.
Nunez, of course, only played half an hour during the Community Shield last weekend. But the former Benfica talisman still found the time not just to win a penalty but also score Liverpool’s third goal, stopping to guide a smart header beyond Ederson’s grasp as the men from Merseyside kicked off 2022/23 with yet another piece of silverware.
And though a Fulham side with just two senior central defenders feels like very accommodating opposition, patience may be a virtue for Nunez with Klopp reluctant to throw his new number 27 in at the deep end.
Darwin Nunez or Roberto Firmino?
“Darwin is ready but that doesn’t mean he has to start.” Klopp explains. He needs time to get used to a lot of things but is already a big help.
“He said he was nervous early on. (That is) normal. (But) he’s settled quickly. Feels at home.”
Presuming Nunez begins life on the bench in West London, the long-serving Roberto Firmino is likely to start in the centre of Klopp’s front three. Mo Salah and Luis Diaz will begin on the right and the left respectively. Diogo Jota, however, is out of action for the time being.
“(Nunez and Firmino) are different players,” Klopp adds. “They get on. They are both from South America, both offensive players but (play in) different positions.
“Bobby is an exceptional player. (He has) his own way of playing football.”
Fulham boss Marco Silva, meanwhile, will be hoping to get a new defender through the door before Liverpool rock up at Craven Cottage on Saturday lunchtime. Talks are ongoing regarding a loan deal for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Shane Duffy (Standard).
Sao Paulo’s Luizao is another target, alongside Issa Diop of West Ham United.
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