Virgil van Dijk insists Darwin Nunez is beginning to fulfil his potential at Liverpool after his strong start to the season… as he reveals what’s behind his penalty spot mind games
Virgil van Dijk has high praise for Darwin Nunez after his impressive start to the season.
Uruguayan striker Nunez moved to Liverpool for £85 million last summer, becoming the club’s record signing.
However, it was a difficult campaign for the Reds as a whole as they missed out on the Champions League for the first time in seven years, with Nunez also receiving criticism for his performances, although he still scored fifteen times in all competitions.
The 24-year-old has since started the 2023/24 season in fine fashion, scoring three goals despite making just two starts, while he helped secure a 2-1 win at Newcastle last month when he scored a late brace after came off the field. the couch.
He also launched Liverpool’s comeback against Austrian side LASK in the Europa League on Thursday as they came from 1-0 down to win 3-1, with Nunez equalizing with a penalty.
Virgil van Dijk has high praise for Darwin Nunez after his impressive start to the season
Van Dijk stressed that Nunez is starting to realize his potential at the club following his move last summer
And after the victory in Austria, Van Dijk praised Nunez and insisted he was starting to show the world what he stood for.
“Everyone has now seen the potential and the quality that he has,” said the Dutchman.
‘Darwin was very important for us against LASK and may it remain so for a long time. The competition at the front is quite good.
‘They all have to push each other and that is nice to see. Everyone has a role to play, whether you start or not.”
Before Nunez’s penalty in the second half, Van Dijk grabbed the ball and insinuated as if he was going to take the penalty, giving the Uruguayan time to compose himself.
And the defender revealed the psychological side of those pressure moments in games.
Nunez has scored three times in all competitions this season, despite only starting two games
The Reds remain unbeaten after a summer overhaul and will host West Ham on Sunday
He added: “You have to make sure you at least protect the penalty spot. It’s a bit of a mind game – maybe they wanted to try to get into your head.
“It was always the plan for Darwin to take over and I’m glad he scored.”
Jürgen Klopp’s team remains undefeated this season and has thirteen points from five Premier League games.
They are back in action on Sunday when they host West Ham at 2pm.