Jurgen Klopp praised the attitude of Darwin Nunez after his assist sealed a win against Chelsea in midweek, despite making history on the same night by hitting the woodwork four times.
Nunez is a fan favourite at Anfield but has a reputation for spurning big chances. He’s now hit the post and crossbar on 12 occasions, three-times more than anyone in the Premier League this season.
What you can’t fault the Uruguayan for is his work-rate, determination and that he is always effecting the game, which is what Klopp focuses on.
“He knows he will have another chance, but the penalty miss hit him,” he said.
“I don’t judge Darwin for the crossbar moments, but for the assist he got for Lucho. It was late in the game, super decisive and important for us.
“The run he makes, the way he gets in front of the defender. He sees Lucho and puts the ball in for him, that is outstanding footballing wise.
“Not being bothered about your own bad luck, staying in the game and that’s what he did, I’m more than happy with him.”
Nunez now has 11 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season, proving he has been an important asset to Liverpool as they continue their hunt for honours on four-fronts.
His pace and strength on the counter attack would be a major threat to Arsenal at the Emirates, although Klopp said he is a doubt after leaving Anfield wearing a protective boot.
Embed from Getty Images“I don’t know if he’s available as after 20 minutes someone stepped on his foot, it was very painful and he only took the boot off after the game. He left the game in a boot and not a football boot,” Klopp confirmed.
“Nothing’s broken, the X-Ray is clear but swollen so we have to see if he can get it back in the boot.
“Just going through the game with this situation, the pain he had, shows so much more.
“Breaking the record for crossbar is not what you want to have but it shows he’s as close as you can to scoring and he will score.”
