Darwin Nunez (R) and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrate following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on September 01, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk praised Darwin Nunez for his goal in Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth on Saturday, but says the striker must overcome his ‘rival’ Diogo Jota to succeed in the team.
Nunez has endured a frustrating start to the 2024/25 campaign, being limited to just 84 minutes in four substitute appearances and failing to score or assist before Saturday.
But the Uruguayan got the nod at Anfield against Bournemouth as Jota was rested as an unused substitute.
Nunez rewarded Arne Slot for giving him the chance by scoring Liverpool’s third in a 3-0 win at the Cherries, while he worked tirelessly for the team with four tackles, two recoveries and one clearance.
This effort by Darwin Nunez ??? pic.twitter.com/stu5K59D2J
– Premier League (@premierleague) September 21, 2024
Nunez must beat Liverpool’s “rival” Jota, says Van Dijk
Liverpool captain Van Dijk was full of praise for Nunez after the game, but insisted the 25-year-old must continue to work to replace Jota in the starting XI slot.
“Obviously, I’m happy for him,” Van Dijk said (via Liverpool’s official website). “He must continue to work, continue to be important if he has the opportunity.
“Obviously he has a very good ‘rival’ or ‘rival’ or you want to call him Diogo Jota too, so they have to challenge and push each other. That is the only way we can succeed.
“The way he responded today after the start of the season is obviously what we want to see. He must continue to work, like the whole team.”
Nunez will be hoping for a fresh start as Liverpool host West Ham United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.
Top photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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