Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has said that striker Darwin Nunez has taken massive steps in the last few weeks after their 3-1 win against West Ham United in the Premier League.
Speaking after the match, Klopp said Nunez has taken massive steps in the last few weeks, insisting that he is a super important player for the Reds. Nunez was on target as Liverpool beat West Ham 3-1 at Anfield.
“Massive steps in the last few weeks. He is a threat. He was always available for us. It is super-important for us that we have now, I am not sure it’s the right word, a ball player,” said Klopp.
He went on to say that Nunez’s defensive work is the main difference, insisting that Liverpool have found a way to work with Nunez’s qualities. The Uruguayan striker has netted 19 goals and provided six assists in 49 matches in a Liverpool shirt, with four goals and two assists coming in six matches this season.
“The defensive work he puts in now, that’s probably the main difference. He always wanted, but it was less coordinated. Now that looks much better and we found a way how we can do it around him,” Klopp added.
The Reds took an early lead when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty he had won after being tripped by Nayef Aguerd. However, West Ham fought back valiantly, with Jarrod Bowen expertly placing a diving header into the corner to level the score.
The second half saw a largely even contest, but it was Liverpool who managed to push ahead. Nunez, seizing on a sumptuous dink from Alexis Mac Allister, poked home to restore Liverpool’s lead. The hosts then kicked into high gear, with substitute Diogo Jota scoring from close range following a corner to make it 3-1.
This win marked Liverpool’s 50th victory over West Ham at Anfield across all competitions and their 35th win in the Premier League era. The result also helped Liverpool maintain their unbeaten start to the season and move up to second place in the league table.