Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Darwin Nunez’s fitness levels against Arsenal in their 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
The Dutchman would be happier of the two managers with the result against the Gunners.
Slot’s side twice came back against Arsenal to come away with a point from the Emirates Stadium with goals from Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, two of Liverpool’s stars who are in the final year of their contracts at club and face an uncertain future.
Arsenal had taken the lead through Bukayo Saka but the Reds responded with a Van Dijk set piece goal.
New signing Mikel Merino put Mikel Arteta’s side back in front, but in the 81st minute, Núñez raced in behind the Arsenal defense after a clever pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold and headed home put on the plate for Salah to finish the chance and make it 2-2.
Slot was surprised with Núñez after the game and while he was talking Liverpool Worldthe dutch coach said:
“The last thing is also the reason why I (kept) him, because if you continue and I see that you are fit enough to keep competing. Also, after talking about Ibou (Konate), that’s almost what surprised me as well (because) Darwin hasn’t played that much yet. Then to play three games in a row with the tough games we had, one game away from Europe and then to be so fit at the end of the game… I took Curtis (Jones) off against Leipzig because that’s what he was a bit. fear of: are you ready to play two in a row?
“But with Darwin, in my opinion, I have no choice because he is the only striker available at the moment. Watching him work hard was really nice. Yes, he had to play deep in the first half, but that was not so much to do with the game plan, but with the quality of Arsenal in the first half because they dominated us, not creating so many chances. They also needed set pieces for the second goal and to threaten us, while the first goal was, of course, great individual quality from Saka.”
With Diogo Jota injured, Núñez was expected to start the game and had a positive impact for the team.
He hasn’t played enough football this season due to his position in the pecking order at the club, but whenever he has been called up, he has shown signs of improvement and that he is ready to perform for the team.
Arne Slot has been impressed by Darwin Nunez
The Uruguay international scored against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last week and provided a crucial assist against Arsenal to maintain Liverpool’s sparkling start to the new season.
His strong performances will give Slot a selection headache, which he will be happy with when Jota is back on form.
The reds have been linked with a play by Jonathan David replace Darwin Núñez with Barcelona is willing to offer the striker an escape route of Anfield.
Liverpool travel to Brighton in the Carabao Cup next before hosting the Seagulls in the Premier League next week.
