Liverpool has had a strong start to the season, but manager Jurgen Klopp is being advised to make changes to the starting lineup when the Reds return to Premier League action. Jurgen Klopp has been recommended to replace Cody Gakpo with Darwin Nunez in the upcoming Premier League matches.
While Gakpo has started in five top-flight games this season, Nunez has only been in the starting lineup for three, yet he has made a more significant impact on Liverpool’s offensive performance. Liverpool’s record signing, Nunez, has scored three goals in the Premier League and provided two assists. Additionally, he scored and assisted in the Europa League opener against LASK. In contrast, Gakpo has scored just three times in all competitions. Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy has voiced his call for Klopp to make an alteration in the forward position.
Murphy expressed his support for Nunez, saying, “I’ve been advocating for a while to give him an extended run of games because any young striker looking to boost their confidence and establish themselves at a football club requires a consistent run of matches. He will score goals, and I think he’d be a nightmare to play against. If he played regularly for Liverpool, could he score 20 goals? I believe he could, and he seems capable. He looks quick, strong in the air, and is quite imposing.”
Murphy went on to compare Nunez and Gakpo, emphasizing that Nunez would be the more concerning option for opposing defenders from top teams. He recommended Nunez for the central role, alongside Diaz and Salah on the flanks, in Liverpool’s starting lineup.
These comments from Murphy follow Nunez’s admission of feeling “angry” about being benched. Nunez is currently on international duty with Uruguay and has openly expressed his emotions regarding his role as a substitute. He stated, “When I get the opportunity to play, I always give my best. When I’m on the bench, I approach it with a motivating anger because I always want to prove myself.” Nunez also highlighted the positive relationship he shares with Klopp, mentioning the post-match hug as evidence of their good rapport and his commitment to making the most of his playing time.