New Liverpool manager Arne Slot hints at a move to solve the Darwin Nunez enigma that Jurgen Klopp struggled with

0


Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed how he plans to improve Darwin Nunez's goalscoring fortunes this season.

The Uruguayan arrived at Anfield from Benfica In a deal worth up to £85m by June 2022.

2

Nunez has a tendency to miss big opportunities.Credit: Getty

However, 27 big opportunities were missed last season. – the second-highest number in the Premier League – highlights the frustration surrounding Nunez.

Núñez was also flagged offside 33 times in the previous league campaign, five more than Chelsea's Nicholas Jackson who came in second place.

Although Nunez has 20 goals in 65 league appearances for LiverpoolHis expected goals (xG) figure for his two seasons is 33.56, indicating that he has underperformed significantly.

It hasn't all been bad news for Nunez, who improved his goal tally from his first to second season, registering 18 goals and 13 assists in all competitions last season, building on his debut tally of 15 goals and four assists.

Slot hopes to be able to keep the trend going for a third game, and when asked how he would get the best out of the failed leader, the manager said it would require a team effort.

But once those opportunities present themselves, the Dutchman backs Nunez to bury them.

“Once again, I think every individual benefits from the performance of the team,” Slot said in his press conference ahead of the Reds' season-opening game against Ipswich.

“If we, as a team, can get our attackers, not just him but also the others, into dangerous positions as much as possible, these players will score goals.

“That's what we've seen in preseason, where we even scored goals on smaller occasions.

“It's up to us to put him, Diogo (Jota) or other attackers as much as we can in promising positions for them and then he, like everyone else, will score his goals.”

Slot believes he can transform Núñez's goal-scoring fortunes

2

Slot believes he can transform Núñez's goal-scoring fortunesCredit: Getty

As things stand, Jota is likely to be Liverpool's starting striker in their opening game of the season against the newly promoted side. Ipswich City.

The 27-year-old has emerged as Slot's first choice in attack during pre-season, with Nunez primed to strike off the bench.

However, it may not be long before Slot turns to the fiery South American to start games with his tireless runs behind He could adapt to the Dutchman's style of play.

Danny Murphy believes Liverpool could have won the Premier League years ago if they had signed Nicolas Anelka permanently

Under Klopp, Nunez struggled to find the right moment to press defenders, while his link-up play required more work.

But a change of manager may be needed to unlock Nunez as Slot looks to get his Anfield tenure off to a flying start.

Most missed scoring chances in the Premier League (2023/24)

  1. Erling Haaland (34 years old)
  2. Darwin Nunez (27)
  3. Nicholas Jackson (24)
  4. Ollie Watkins (22 years old)
  5. Alejandro Isak (21)
  6. Brennan Johnson and Mohamed Salah (17)
  7. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (16)
  8. Dominic Solanke (14)
  9. Jarrod Bowen (13)



Source link

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.