Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot admitted he was initially uncertain about Darwin Nunez’s resolution to shoot earlier than the Uruguayan ahead netted a spectacular objective within the 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Making his first begin below Slot, Nunez obtained the ball on the correct aspect of the field, reducing inside onto his left foot, and unleashing a fantastic curling effort into the far nook simply earlier than half-time, in the end sealing the win for Liverpool after Luis Diaz had already scored twice in fast succession.
Nunez’s strike marked his first Premier League objective in over 5 months, his final coming in a 3-1 victory in opposition to Sheffield United.
The ahead, who has confronted criticism for his ending up to now, now has 21 Premier League objectives for Liverpool, who’re firing below their new head coach.
Reflecting on the second, Slot mentioned: “My first intuition when he shot was, ‘why does he shoot?’
“I might have mentioned, ‘why don’t you retain on dribbling?’. He made the ball free and I believe the defender was on the bottom.
3 objectives. 3 factors. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9J0PumHcL4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 21, 2024
“However then it was a fraction of a second later once I noticed the ball go in off the publish. Then I used to be like, ‘OK, perhaps you’re a higher soccer participant than I used to be up to now’.”
Nunez’s contribution wasn’t restricted to simply his objective.
Slot was equally impressed by the ahead’s work price, notably his defensive effort and Nunez recorded extra tackles than anybody on the pitch other than Alexis Mac Allister.
“After all, I play a striker as a result of I like him to attain objectives – but it surely additionally helps when you hold a clear sheet,” added Slot.
“[In] maintaining a clear sheet, Darwin was additionally concerned.”
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 21, 2024
Nunez had performed solely 74 minutes below Slot earlier than the Bournemouth recreation, however his efficiency might result in extra constant enjoying time as Liverpool steadiness Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Champions League commitments.
When requested how Nunez might develop into an everyday starter, Slotadded: “I believe you get consistency by two issues. You get it by work-rate and also you get it by crew efficiency.
“If the crew efficiency isn’t constant, it’s so tough for a person to be constant as nicely. Now we have to create our habits daily on the coaching floor.
“[Nunez] confirmed recreation in the present day. Possibly he can present it once more on Wednesday.”
Liverpool face West Ham within the Carabao Cup third spherical on Wednesday, adopted by a league journey to Wolves on Saturday.
The crew then return to Champions League motion in opposition to Bologna on October 2.
