Arne Slot had to reconsider his earlier views after Darwin Nunez’s impressive goal for Liverpool against Bournemouth, marking the Uruguayan’s first start of the season.
Nunez shined in his debut at Anfield, sealing a 3-0 victory for the Reds following Luis Diaz’s quick brace.
He made a strong run into the penalty area after collecting the ball just past the halfway line and, despite the challenging angle, executed a perfect shot that found the far post, leaving goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga helpless.
The goal visibly moved Nunez, who celebrated passionately with the Anfield crowd, marking his first goal since April against Sheffield United. Slot, however, was caught off guard by the decision to shoot.
“My initial thought was: ‘Why shoot? Just keep dribbling!’ because the defender was down,” Slot reflected. “But then I saw the ball go in off the post and thought, ‘Maybe you’re a better player than I was!’ It was a good choice.”
Nunez justified Slot’s decision to start him over Diogo Jota, impressing the Liverpool manager not only with his goal but also with his work off the ball.
“We aim to increase Nunez’s goal tally, as that’s essential for a striker, but his work rate was excellent,” Slot said post-match. “We have strong competition, and as long as players perform, that benefits me greatly.”
Liverpool.com suggests that Slot wasn’t alone in questioning Nunez’s decision before the ball hit the back of the net. Given the tight angle, a pass to a teammate seemed the safer choice, but it’s fortunate he opted to shoot!
Nunez has proven he can make such finishes, but that alone won’t define his success at Anfield. If he can refine his instinctive finishing, which has often frustrated fans, he can dispel doubts about his future with the club.
