Daniel Sturridge has just given Darwin Nunez the best advice to fix the Liverpool problem he knows all about

A football match can be decided by any type of goal. It could be a penalty kick, a 30m missile or even an stoppage-time header from a goalkeeper. We’ve all seen them.

There is no doubt that the clear (or “big”) odds defined by Opta very often define the games. These are defined as shots in “a situation in which a player can reasonably be expected to score, usually in a one-on-one scenario or from very close range”.

Excluding penalties, around one in seven shots count as a clear chance, but they account for just over half of all goals scored. It is essential to make the most of these golden opportunities.

Liverpool will kick themselves after losing Jurgen Klopp’s beloved ‘talent of the century’

Unfortunately for Liverpool, this is one of the many areas they have struggled in this season. The Reds have converted 31.3% of their big chances without a penalty in the league, the lowest percentage since 2011/12 and almost 7% less than the league average.

It could be worse. Averaging 3.0 clear chances per game, 2021/22 is the only season in the previous 11 in which Liverpool have had more. Having high-value opportunities is more than half the battle.

For many players, their sample size is so small that it’s not uncommon for them to have a particularly hot or cold spell. As of this writing, only eight men have had at least 20 big chances this season and it’s to the Reds’ credit that they are the only club to have two.

However, Darwin Nunez (who is one, along with Mohamed Salah) has had one of the worst Premier League campaigns ever for converting clean chances. In the last 12 seasons, there have only been six occasions where the players have used the Uruguayan’s 23 big chances without penalties and had a lower success rate. Luis Suarez 2011/12 and Roberto Firmino in the title fight are among them, so it’s a theme that has influenced Liverpool forwards in the past.

There is a parallel between another former club striker and Nunez. As with the whole team, it’s positive that the former Benfica player has as many clear chances as the goals should follow. Darwin has averaged 1.43 big chances per 90 minutes this season, the fifth highest of all with at least 1,000 minutes in a season since the summer of 2011.

Erling Haaland is bound to be an example of this, while Gabriel Jesus was part of this elite group twice with his former club. However, there is only one other player who hasn’t represented Manchester City and his name is Daniel Sturridge.

And not only did he have a lot of quality openings, but he converted them at a very healthy pace. Of the 25 players with at least 81 chances to score without a penalty shootout in the Premier League since 2011/12, Sturridge ranks fourth in conversion rate behind Wayne Rooney, Heung-min Son and Harry Kane. It’s early days for Nunez in England, but he’s currently 20% behind his Liverpool predecessor.

Luckily, Sturridge was on Tuesday night as pundit for the recent reunion of two of his former clubs at Stamford Bridge. At one point he discussed the problems Chelsea forwards have had with late chances, but what he said could also apply to Nunez.

“When I went through [in goal] I remember sometimes talking to myself,” Sturridge said. “I would say, ‘relax, calm down, breathe’, and then choose your seat. You train every day on the training ground to be in these moments and be on autopilot,” he added.

It’s good advice. Nunez often looked anything but calm when making clean shots, with misses coming to mind against Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brentford. He already has about as good a chance as Sturridge did in his prime; If he follows his lead, he can dispatch them just as effectively.

Jurgen Klopp confirms Luis Diaz return date as Liverpool get injury boost

Jurgen Klopp reveals what he’s not allowed to do in the Liverpool dressing room and hints at big changes

Jurgen Klopp left fans confused with Darwin Nunez decision as Luis Suarez hints at Liverpool future

Micah Richards reveals Liverpool legend who ‘tapped’ him for transfer

‘It’s required by law’ – Ex-Premier League referee slams Man City’s decision to charge Liverpool with the FA

You can find this story in My bookmarks or by accessing the user icon in the top right.

Also…

“Waste of time” – Frustrated, Jurgen Klopp attacks the lack of “new questions” from journalists

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool play another key game for Champions League hopefuls against Arsenal this weekend, with Jurgen Klopp growing increasingly angered by reporters ahead of the game.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was not happy to be asked about his side’s rotation policy during his press conference ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Arsenal.

The Reds boss is under added pressure at Anfield as he heads into the clash with the Premier League leaders after a terrible campaign. Liverpool finished ninth and saw their hopes of a Champions League place take a serious hit in the 4-1 loss to Man City after the international break, while they also drew 0-0 with Chelsea the last time had to accept.

For the move to Stamford Bridge, Klopp surprisingly made some changes on his side. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been left out. Before the match against Arsenal, journalists in attendance asked Klopp why he had decided to change sides, which left the German unsatisfied.

He replied: “We played a match against City, which has a physical and performance impact. It is both. How can you expect me to give you an answer and say “two were because of that and four were because of that”. This is a real waste of time.”

Speaking about the Reds’ upcoming game, Klopp addressed comments he’d previously made that last week could potentially “define” the Reds’ season

Will Liverpool-Arsenal win at Anfield? Share your opinion in the comments below

“If we win this game [against Arsenal], we will get four points from these games,” added the German. “Before, it was completely normal for us.

“Most of the time we drew there [Stamford Bridge]. Last season I was home with COVID. We started very well but in the end it was a draw. And losing to Man City was always a possibility.

“I understand from your perspective that it’s super hard to come up with new questions every week, but trust me, it’s even harder to come up with new answers.”

Liverpool could potentially move up to sixth in the table if they manage to beat Arsenal and get the results in their favor. Klopp was also asked to give his verdict on Arsenal’s management and praised Mikel Arteta’s work at the Emirates Stadium over the past year.

Start the conversation

Add to the comments below to share your thoughts

Be the first to comment

“I know people ask about the manager’s time, but I really think Mikel deserved every minute he was there when things weren’t going well because they’re there [at the top] now. “, Klopp said.

“The team is very well positioned, more good transfers, but a really stable team. They use it now.”