Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted he was initially unsure about Darwin Nunez’s decision to shoot before the Uruguayan forward netted a spectacular goal in the 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Making his first start under Slot, Nunez received the ball on the right side of the box, cutting inside onto his left foot, and unleashing a beautiful curling effort into the far corner just before half-time, ultimately sealing the win for Liverpool after Luis Diaz had already scored twice in quick succession.
Nunez’s strike marked his first Premier League goal in over five months, his last coming in a 3-1 victory against Sheffield United.
The forward, who has faced criticism for his finishing in the past, now has 21 Premier League goals for Liverpool, who are firing under their new head coach.
Reflecting on the moment, Slot said: “My first instinct when he shot was, ‘why does he shoot?’
“I would have said, ‘why don’t you keep on dribbling?’. He made the ball free and I think the defender was on the ground.
3 goals. 3 points. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9J0PumHcL4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 21, 2024
“But then it was a fraction of a second later when I saw the ball go in off the post. Then I was like, ‘OK, maybe you are a better football player than I was in the past’.”
Nunez’s contribution wasn’t limited to just his goal.
Slot was equally impressed by the forward’s work rate, particularly his defensive effort and Nunez recorded more tackles than anyone on the pitch aside from Alexis Mac Allister.
“Of course, I play a striker because I like him to score goals – but it also helps if you keep a clean sheet,” added Slot.
“[In] keeping a clean sheet, Darwin was also involved.”
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 21, 2024
Nunez had played only 74 minutes under Slot before the Bournemouth game, but his performance may lead to more consistent playing time as Liverpool balance Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Champions League commitments.
When asked how Nunez could become a regular starter, Slotadded: “I think you get consistency by two things. You get it by work-rate and you get it by team performance.
“If the team performance is not consistent, it’s so difficult for an individual to be consistent as well. We have to create our habits day by day on the training ground.
“[Nunez] showed a good game today. Maybe he can show it again on Wednesday.”
Liverpool face West Ham in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, followed by a league trip to Wolves on Saturday.
The team then return to Champions League action against Bologna on October 2.
