Anfield Index
·24 janvier 2025
Anfield Index
·24 janvier 2025
Regarding the current resurgence of Liverpool’s charismatic striker, Darwin Núñez, his recent two-goal salvo against Brentford created a huge uplift in belief within both the Reds dressing room as well as with his adoring support. Despite multiple reports pointing to the Uruguayan perhaps moving to the Saudi Pro League this month, his next appearance saw him starting at Anfield against visiting Lille.
That Champions League encounter saw a more confident and team-orientated player undertake a role that continually supported his team off the ball. In this period where various competitions are approaching the critical stage in their development, it may well be that the physicality and energy of the former Benfica hitman could prove to be a crucial element in how the Merseyside Giants season unfolds.
Where the lack of continual efficiency in and around the goal appears to hinge upon the confidence of the 25-year-old, it may be that a false nine unitive could unlock the best attributes of the Red’s fabled number nine.
Photo: IMAGO
Due to the ongoing injuries that seem to have followed Diogo Jota since his arrival at Liverpool in 2020, the prolific goal scorer can no longer be considered the best option to lead the current forward line. With an inability to remain available for selection into Arne Slots proffered first team elite there became a scenario that allowed Luis Díaz to undertake a multi-game audition for that centre forward berth.
With a skillset and unpredictable approach to the central role, the Columbian was able to harness his talents superbly against teams that were willing to attack the Reds rather than sit back. Unfortunately, with time and a better knowledge of the former Porto man’s movements, opposition coaches have been able to restrict his ability to impact games from a performance point of view. The all-popular deep block that is routinely used against Liverpool is now seeing the 27-year-old Luis Díaz less effective, something which opened the door for his South American teammate this last week.
The strategic approach of the former Feyenoord manager, Arne Slot, appears to be an evolving enterprise that is dictated by the match-day plan of the opposition. Not every team encountered will take on the Anfield giants in the same manner and much like in a boxing contest, styles can always beat styles.
In the last two games against Brentford and then Lille, a well-organised and deep defensive line was rolled out by each relative coach to attempt to shut down the offensive efforts of Liverpool. In the latter stages of the game against Thomas Frank’s West London club, a dynamic and powerful entity was brought into the game in the form of Darwin Núñez.
Photo: IMAGO
Though the overall potency of the 6ft 2inch forward has been less than desired under new leadership, he has never failed in his desire to work for his team. Within two minutes of intoxicating carnage, the 33-cap Uruguay man had scored a stoppage-time double with a blend of ferocity and skill.
Following that match-winning cameo at the weekend, a place in the starting eleven was delivered as a reward for his Brentford efforts. Within a more coordinated performance, Darwin was able to tackle Lille across the entirety of that game and offer both on and off-ball moments that benefitted his teammates in and around him. As a workhorse who was willing to drop into midfield areas and run the channels, the output of his game suddenly became more rounded and effective to the game state. As a versatile forward, the link within showed an increased awareness to offer when the scoring opportunities are not forthcoming.
Can He Finally Be The Right Fit?
In this scenario where new answers are needed to overcome varying obstacles, the resurgence of a man that could cost £85m could be the perfect solution in this situation. Following a handful of under-par showings from the team which sits on the top of all elite-level tables, the Reds were looking for inspiration and it does seem that from the embers of a potential January departure, a Uruguayan raging bull has emerged as the catalyst that is needed to realign the group and make a charge for ultimate end of season success.
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