Jürgen Klopp highlights one thing about Darwin Nunez which Liverpool players are ignoring

Follow us on Google Discover

Speaking after Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat to RB Salzburg, Jürgen Klopp highlighted one interesting thing about Darwin Nunez.

What’s the story?

Well, the German complained that his £64m forward wasn’t getting enough support from his teammates against the Austrian side, in terms of staying close to him, feeding off his knockdowns and drawing defenders away.

As quoted by Liverpool’s official website, Klopp said: “Darwin was much too often alone. Everybody dropped, everybody was involved in the build-up but too wide and we could only pass the ball to Darwin in the box. He had his moments and nearly scored, but he needs much more support around him. You (have to) keep other players busy that they cannot focus on him.”

In truth, we don’t think the Liverpool players have taken advantage of the Uruguay international’s ability to attract and hold off defenders enough in pre-season so far.

Maybe the Reds are still getting used to how Nunez operates, but they do seem to be ignoring his ability to pin defenders back and free up space in other areas.

In our view, this is because Klopp has rarely used an out-and-out No.9 since he replaced Brendan Rodgers.

The 55-year-old turned Roberto Firmino into a false nine, who was rarely situated at the very top of the attack like Nunez tends to be.

Instead, the Brazilian would come deep, drag his marker infield and free up space for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to run in behind.

Now, it seems the Liverpool players will have to get used to a very different type of forward.

Jürgen Klopp knows what to do with Darwin Nunez at Liverpool

As aforesaid, Klopp hasn’t actually used a proper No.9 since joining Liverpool back in 2015.

However, the last physically imposing striker he had at his disposal – like Nunez – was Robert Lewandowski.

As you may know, the Poland international did quite well under the German at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 102 goals in 186 appearances while also providing 42 assists.

You may be wondering if Lewandowski’s supporting acts suffered in front of goal themselves, to help him achieve this tally.

However, the likes of Marco Reus and Mario Götze still managed to do very well alongside the 33-year-old, so there is no reason why Salah and Luis Diaz will struggle if Klopp adapts his tactics slightly, to suit Nunez.