Jurgen Klopp left puzzled by Darwin Nunez’s goal drought at Liverpool

Nunez, entering as a substitute, played a crucial role in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Fulham by assisting Curtis Jones' equalizer and setting up Cody Gapko's winning goal.

Jurgen Klopp Worried Regarding Nunez's Goal Drought
Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Entering the game as a substitute in the 56th minute, Nunez played a pivotal role by setting up Curtis Jones’ equalizer following Willian’s 19th-minute goal that had put Fulham in the lead. Additionally, Nunez orchestrated Cody Gapko’s winning goal, yet he once again couldn’t break his scoring drought during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Fulham at Anfield on Wednesday. Despite his struggles in finding the net, Klopp refrained from criticizing Nunez, emphasizing that player selection is based on overall behavior and effort rather than just scoring ability.

Addressing reporters post-match, Klopp praised Nunez, stating, “He plays outstanding, I have to say it. There are so many things I love about his game. The first year was a year to adapt and he scored here and there but now he contributes in all games. The boys don’t start because they score or not score. My belief and trust in them, as long as they behave properly, is endless. They deserve it because of the effort they put in.”

Klopp expressed difficulty in explaining Nunez’s situation, acknowledging the player’s unluckiness in finishing situations despite doing everything right. Although Nunez faced multiple opportunities, Bernd Leno thwarted his attempts to end the goal drought, which now spans one goal in the last 16 games. Despite the scoring struggles, Nunez has contributed with 10 assists in all competitions, marking the highest number by a Liverpool player this season.

Despite the absence of key players like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Klopp maintains confidence in the available squad’s ability to deliver results in challenging circumstances. Looking ahead, Liverpool faces Bournemouth away in the Premier League on Sunday, followed by the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Fulham at Craven Cottage on January 24.

Darwin Núñez

Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro

Forwarder

UruguayUruguay

Age: 25

187 cm

78 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 34 2 Missed
Minutes 2012 59.2 Avg
Goals 10 0.3 Avg
Assist 8 0.2 Avg
Attempt 34 1.0 Avg
Passes 447 13.166.4% AvgSucc
Yellow 9 0.3 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 4 times for 179 minutes for Carabao Cup.

Darwin Núñez scored 1 goal for Liverpool. He procured 3 assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Carabao Cup. In the last match Liverpool won 2-1 against Fulham. The next match in Carabao Cup will be against AFC Bournemouth.

Liverpool performance and stats

Liverpool

Manager: Jürgen Klopp
Rank 3rd
Win 23
Draw 9
Loss 4
Goals 81-38
Diff 43
Rank 1st
Win 4
Draw 0
Loss 2
Goals 17-7
Diff 10