Liverpool ‘machine’ has already ‘beaten’ Sadio Mané as pre-season set to answer Jurgen Klopp question
Jurgen Klopp was asked about Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez during his press conference outside Nottingham Forest. A question remains about the Uruguayan star
Darwin Núñez has already surpassed Sadio Mané’s debut season in terms of the number of goals he scored in his debut season at Liverpool, but it would be fair to say there is plenty more to come in the future.
(It would also be fair to point out that the Reds had no Champions League football in 2016/17 and Mane has a four league goal lead despite having eight games to play).
Since joining Benfica for an initial fee of $80m (£64m/€72m) last summer, Núñez has had a taste of what he could be capable of and he should be noted that it took him a while to develop before the fit exploded.
Something similar happened to me at Benfica. The first year was really bad for me and the second I exploded. I think the same thing is happening here. I hope next season will be like that. I will do my best and hope for some luck.”
The Uruguayan has already scored a decent tally and shown good signs, and as he won’t turn 24 until June, there’s no reason to think his cap could be significantly higher.
However, there is a big question. With the return of Luis Díaz – the Colombian hopes to return to action before the end of the season, when pre-season will be a crucial period for him – there is one less place available on the left.
Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo looks impressive in between as he transitions into something like Roberto Firmino 2.0; a younger version of the Brazilian in something like a fake nine roll
And then there’s also Diogo Jota who is in it: a player who shouldn’t be forgotten, even if he hadn’t found a target for over a year before his double at Leeds United.
Obviously Díaz, Gakpo and Jota will not be able to play in all matches and rotation will be required. As he has shown this season, not all attacking options will always be available. However, the question remains where Núñez will play in the long term at Liverpool. His best performances to date have come from the left flank, when there are no guaranteed minutes anywhere on the front line.
As the club’s record signing (once additions are factored in) there must be a clear plan for him at Liverpool – although what that represents will have to wait until the summer.
Until then, it is hoped that Díaz can play a full role in pre-season and that the other options – minus Firmino, who left at that time – can stay fit.
He’s a player with different skills than all our other players,” Jürgen Klopp said during his press conference on Friday. “It’s good and he’s a machine; he’s already scored goals, so that’s fine.
“How can a striker shine when the whole team is struggling? It’s not possible, but he had great moments for us. But that’s not a problem because it’s a long-term project. term.”
However, after a year of adjustment, it is to be expected that Núñez can continue to improve his game and performance. Next season it would help if he wasn’t sent off early in the season and could avoid injuries. “I’m perfectly fine with the situation and Darwin is perfectly fine too,” Klopp continued. “But it’s not like he smiles at me if he doesn’t start – he doesn’t, but that’s okay. The door is open for miles and the more sessions we have, the more you have to to present.
This summer, Núñez, Klopp and Liverpool will have plenty of time on the training grounds where the 23-year-old striker’s long-term position should become clear.