Liverpool injury latest means Jürgen Klopp missing Sadio Mané quality even Cody Gakpo cannot offer
As soon as Darwin Núñez made his Liverpool debut, it was obvious what he was going to offer on the pitch. The match took place in Bangkok during the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, and it came against none other than Manchester United.
The Reds actually lost the game by four goals to nil, but when Núñez was introduced as a substitute, he caused a number of problems for Erik ten Hag’s outfit. Arguably the most prominent element of his game during his brief cameo was his remarkable pace and willingness to threaten in behind defenses.
“His profile is a proper number nine so that’s helpful with speed and aggression and using his body,” said Jürgen Klopp after the contest. “What you could see is the boys were already searching for him. He offered the runs and the boys wanted to pass the ball, that is for sure one of his strengths. He was dangerous.”
Indeed, Núñez has offered those same penetrative runs throughout his time on Merseyside, having been at the club for a little over six months now. Not every player has the necessary speed to stretch defenses, but the South American certainly does.
He was an ideal replacement for Sadio Mané in that sense, who was allowed to join Bayern Munich in the summer after spending six years at Anfield and winning every possible piece of silverware, perhaps with the exception of the Europa League.
Throughout his Reds career, the Senegalese international darted behind defenses and latched on the end of through balls. He was rapid during his peak and alongside Mohamed Salah, Klopp’s had two pacey wide threats who could put the fear in their opponents, particularly those who lacked quickness.
Núñez has compensated for Mané’s sale since his signing from Benfica but this weekend, it seems Liverpool are going to be without the Uruguayan striker for their trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 23-year-old has a hamstring issue and when asked about his availability for Saturday’s clash on Friday afternoon, Klopp said: “If he cannot train today, then yes, that would rule him out. We are waiting for more information. It’s not a major one but it has still kept him out of training, so we have to wait for that.”
If Núñez does indeed miss out, Klopp will have a rare problem on his hands. Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz are also injured, which leaves Salah as the only established attacker who is inclined to stretch defenses by running in behind, and it is worth noting the Egyptian is now aged 30, so he’s a little more inclined to receive the ball to feet.
New signing Cody Gakpo is more of a player who will come short and offer a passing option, and the same applies to Harvey Elliott and Fábio Carvalho, with Klopp appearing in desperate need of a forward who possesses real pace like the trio who are injured at present.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a potential solution given his profile as more of a runner than a passer, and 17-year-old Ben Doak is also rapid across the ground, especially over short distances. It is a dilemma for Klopp to think about but if there’s one offensive quality that his Liverpool team has showcased throughout his tenure, it is pace behind defenses.
This weekend, that same strength looks destined to be in short supply.
