Liverpool completed a deal to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica on Tuesday. Here’s how the Reds can line up with their new star.
It’s official – Darwin Nunez plays for Liverpool. The Reds formally announced his signing earlier today and their new no.27 will be the big-money addition this summer.
Per the Athletic, this is a £64m investment that could rise to £85m is all add-ons trigger. This is a massive deal, then – already the third-most-expensive in Liverpool’s history and potentially their record signing.
Now, we think Nunez justifies his fee as he brings so much to the squad already. One of the best things he brings, however, is his versatility. When added to the Reds’ options up top, Liverpool now look incredibly versatile and there are so many different ways Jurgen Klopp can utilise his new signing.
But how does Liverpool’s best XI look? Well, it’s up for debate, of course, but we thought we’d have a go at pinpointing how the Reds could lineup next season with Nunez.
Liverpool sign Darwin Nunez
Defence
So this doesn’t change, obviously. Alisson in goal, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip at centre-back (though, arguably Ibrahima Konaté). The full-backs are worth noting, though.
Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold thrive on their delivery and Nunez offers them something they haven’t had before. He’s a tall, physical target in the box and we imagine the two of them will thrive in this team.
Midfield
Now, this is an interesting one. With Nunez leading the line, Liverpool won’t have a False 9 dropping deep and linking with midfield. Instead, that will have to come from the midfield itself and we may see a few teething problems at first. Certainly, there’s now more room for attacking midfielders and the Reds boast some very exciting young talent there.
But we still think the Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago trio will be the go-to for starters. That will likely change over the course of the season and potentially, very quickly.
Attack
Nunez will certainly lead the line as Liverpool’s central force going forward. Mohamed Salah is also a certainty on the right as he’s not going anywhere in 2022.
That leaves the left and right now, it seems it’s Luis Diaz’s position to lose. He’s force out Diogo Jota as a first-choice player and we expect he’ll retain that once the new campaign kicks off.
So how about that for Liverpool’s new front-three?
