Darwin Nunez scores a goal for Uruguay that Jurgen Klopp will love to see. Now we just need him doing it for Liverpool.
Darwin Nunez started for Uruguay on Tuesday as they took on Canada in a friendly. The South Americans won comfortably, seeing out a 2-0 lead that they took into half time.
Nunez got the second of those goals, too. The Liverpool striker did well to find space in the box and convert a header – exactly the kind of goal that Jurgen Klopp will want to see.
It came as Uruguay managed to work a bit of space wide on the right from a throw. With play over on the flank, Nunez found himself isolated against one centre-back as the cross came in.
The defender never really had a chance as Nunez adjusted himself with the space and rose to head home. It’s something we haven’t seen too much of at Liverpool yet but this is exactly what the striker was signed for.
Darwin Nunez scores Uruguay goal
Nunez is a completely different kind of forward to what Liverpool typically use under Klopp. He’s big, physical, and bullies defenders one-on-one.
It means that can attack differently – if they get the ball into the box. Attacking quickly like Uruguay here is key, making sure defences don’t have time to adjust to Nunez and double up on him.
That lends itself beautifully to Klopp’s ‘gegenpressing’ style. That’s all about winning the ball back quickly and mounting a counter-attack while defences are out of position. In theory, Nunez should find space in the box with ease and provide Liverpool with an instant target.
We just haven’t really seen it this season. Liverpool’s pressing hasn’t been at the level if usually is, while Nunez hasn’t quite clicked with the rest of the team. We’ve seen great moments but not the fluidity you’d hope for.
But a goal like this is what Liverpool want to see. Nunez has fantastic ‘quality’, as Sander Westerveld says, and it’s all about making the best use of it.
Up to now, the Reds haven’t quite found a way to do that. Perhaps things change after this international break.
