Jurgen Klopp has been talking up the ability of reported Liverpool transfer target Darwin Nunez.
During his pre-match press conference via Liverpool FC on YouTube, Klopp was asked about the threat the Benfica striker poses to The Reds tomorrow.
“He’s a good striker, the next one from Uruguay. I don’t know how they play together Cavani, Suarez and him in one team,” said Klopp.
“(He’s a) top, top boy. The goals he scored, the one against Ajax in Amsterdam, a massive one a big one, in the group stages as well, so he’s not shy.”
Klopp said he expects Nunez to start the game tomorrow. The manager warned his team that they’ll have to restrict Nunez’s time on the ball to reduce his impact in the game.
“He did not start the last game, he came on at half time because of coming back from international duty, so we expect him to start tomorrow. Then we have to make sure that we will not get a lot of balls,” said Klopp.
Liverpool bound?
Liverpool have been rumoured to be plotting a move for Nunez in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Daily Star claimed in October that The Reds were one of several top European clubs chasing the striker. O Jogo via Sport Witness also mentioned Liverpool’s interest and claimed that Nunez’s price will exceed £55m.
Tomorrow night will give Klopp the chance to monitor the striker at close quarters. As his comments go to show, the 54-year-old is well aware of the talents of the 26-goal Uruguayan.
A good performance in Lisbon and, more importantly, if he can show his qualities at Anfield, Klopp will no doubt be adding Nunez’s name to his list of attacking targets.
Not just Nunez
Klopp was also keen to point out that Liverpool will have to focus on other threats as well as Benfica’s number 9.
“Rafa (Silva) with the ball – wow! Really quick and the others, I know Julian Weigl obviously, Joao Mario we all know, there’s a lot of quality in this team,” said the Liverpool boss.
The Reds are big favourites to progress through the tie. But given Klopp’s comments, there’s no chance that Liverpool will take Benfica lightly.
No team makes it this far into the competition without merit. Liverpool will have to be at their best to make sure they keep Nunez and co quiet in Lisbon tomorrow.
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