Pepijn Lijnders Praises Darwin Nunez’s Progress Despite Goal Drought
Improvements in Form
Pepijn Lijnders, Liverpool’s assistant manager, has come to the defense of Darwin Nunez, highlighting the significant improvements he has made in his debut season with the club. Despite a recent goal drought that has seen Nunez fail to score in 10 consecutive games, Lijnders remains delighted with the Uruguayan’s contributions to the team’s buildup and counter-pressing.
Unlucky with Finishing
Lijnders believes that Nunez has been unlucky with his finishing and is confident that he will find his scoring touch again if his teammates continue to create opportunities for him. The assistant manager emphasizes that judging players solely on their goal tally would be unfair, as Liverpool’s success has always been about the collective effort.
Positive Partnership with Mohamed Salah
Lijnders also highlights the positive connection between Nunez and Mohamed Salah, noting their ability to assist each other on the pitch. He praises Nunez’s defensive contributions, his ability to control the center, and his counter-pressing. The assistant manager acknowledges that Nunez is still learning and adapting to his role as a central striker but appreciates his passion and fire on the field.
Creating Opportunities
Lijnders emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for Nunez, stating that goals will come naturally if the team continues to generate chances. He attributes Liverpool’s ability to create scoring opportunities as a compliment to the entire team’s efforts. The assistant manager also reveals that they are working closely with Nunez, providing individual meetings and analyzing game footage to help him improve his game.
Overall, Lijnders expresses his confidence in Nunez’s potential and believes that he will only get better with time. He acknowledges the element of luck in scoring goals but remains optimistic about Nunez’s future performances.