Darwin Nunez reminded of defensive duties by Jurgen Klopp ahead of Chelsea clash
Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez has been in fine goal-scoring form during pre-season, but Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reminded the striker that he must attend to his defensive duties to hold down a place in the starting XI.
Nunez scored the opener as the Reds beat Leicester in Singapore on Sunday, taking his pre-season tally to four goals in three friendlies. The 24-year-old will be building confidence after a steady, if unspectacular, first season at Anfield, in which he scored nine Premier League goals.
Klopp: Striker Must Learn to Defend
Klopp is not surprised it has taken Nunez a bit of time to settle in at Liverpool, as many new signings do, but he has reminded the striker that he must learn to defend from the front to secure a regular place in the first team.
“I don’t think I have to tell our fans, it’s pretty much traditionally – or historically – for us that usually players for us, especially offensive players, [need time],” said Klopp.
“Sometimes you need more time, that’s how it is. I think the signs Darwin showed already last season were really good. Injuries and the red card were not helpful in the start directly and these things, but it’s all good.”
Klopp went on to explain that all of his players must be ready to defend and be influential in offensive situations if they want to secure a place in the starting XI. He added that Nunez is looking good in training and is fit, which will help him heading into their next two pre-season games against Chelsea.
Nunez Finding His Feet
Nunez has been slowly finding his feet at Liverpool since joining from Benfica last summer. He scored nine goals in all competitions last season and has already found the back of the net four times during pre-season.
The Uruguayan forward is clearly a talented striker and has all the attributes to be a success at Anfield. However, Klopp has reminded him that he must attend to his defensive duties if he wants to secure a regular place in the starting XI.
Klopp is confident that Nunez can make an impact this season and believes that his goal against Leicester was a typical goal-scorer’s goal. With two more pre-season games before the start of the season, Nunez will be looking to continue his good form and impress Klopp.
Conclusion
Darwin Nunez has been in fine goal-scoring form during pre-season and is slowly finding his feet at Liverpool. However, Jurgen Klopp has reminded the striker that he must attend to his defensive duties if he wants to secure a regular place in the starting XI. Nunez will be looking to continue his good form and impress Klopp in their next two pre-season games against Chelsea.