Liverpool star Darwin Nunez handed blow from team-mate after private Klopp chat

Cody Gakpo has revealed he now considers himself to be a centre-forward – damaging Darwin Nunez’s prospects of establishing himself as Liverpool’s first-choice No.9. The Uruguayan frontman endured a frustrating debut season at Anfield and found himself on the bench in the latter stages of the campaign as the likes of Gakpo and Diogo Jota caught the eye.

While Nunez warrants the chance to settle and adapt to the Premier League despite his huge price tag, it appears he is now facing stern competition to nail down a starting berth.

That’s because Gakpo has revealed he believes his best position is now centrally as opposed to out wide, something that was privately disclosed to him by Jurgen Klopp and assistant Pepijn Lijnders upon arrival on Merseyside.

Gakpo said: “Jurgen Klopp and his assistant Pepijn Lijnders indicated what they wanted from me when I first went to Liverpool.

“It took some getting used to in the beginning, but eventually I grew into the role and I would like to play in that position permanently.

Don’t miss…
Liverpool ‘schedule talks with next two targets’ after signing Mac Allister[LATEST]

“I feel like I am getting better and better in that spot.

“At PSV, I played mainly from the left side. It was Guus Hiddink who first pointed out to me that I had to develop more broadly as a striker.

“I didn’t want to believe that at the time. I felt comfortable on the left flank, but I am now convinced that the role of striker suits me.”

Nunez has often found himself shifted out to the left flank when starting for the Reds but he played the majority of his football when Luis Diaz was out injured.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Don’t miss…
Chelsea ‘make Inter Milan swap deal request’ as Liverpool inflict Newcastle blow[LATEST]
Martin Tyler leaves Sky Sports as Premier League commentator issues statement[NEWS]
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd get green light, Arsenal new Havertz bid[LIVE]

Now the Colombian is back to full fitness and is now set to wipe the slate clean in pre-season meaning there will be huge competition for places in attack.

Nunez remains determined to prove his worth at Liverpool but despite the departure of Roberto Firmino, he will have to overcome further obstacles to make his mark at Anfield.

Speaking in late April, Klopp declared he wanted to fine-tune Nunez’s ability to defend from the front before giving him a consistent run of games in a central role.

“He’s a centre forward but we need a specific set-up to play and defend from the centre but we have to understand as a team [to defend from the centre],” Klopp declared.

“We’ve had to adapt to different defending and striker up front, that’s how it is.”

The German also jumped to the defence of the club’s record signing declaring some of the criticism he has received is unwarranted.

“Darwin is a player with a different skillset to all our other players. He is a machine. He is still adapting. His English is still not great,” he added.

“How can a striker shine when the team is struggling? But he has had super moments.

“I understand Darwin is not always fine when he doesn’t start, smiling in my face, but it’s absolutely fine.

“When we have 5/6 players up front, I have to make decisions. The door is miles open for all the boys. He was exceptional against Leeds. Everyone who came on was on fire.”

Source: Read Full Article