Jurgen Klopp praises under-fire Liverpool star after Brentford win

Jurgen Klopp has reserved special praise for Darwin Nunez after Liverpool's impressive 3-0 win over Brentford.

The forward has been the subject of criticism over the last week, failing to make an impact in either of the Reds' games against Luton Town and Toulouse — even missing a gaping open goal in the clash at Kenilworth Road. Said performances even led ex-Liverpool player Jose Enrique to insist that the forward would 'never be a world class striker'.

While Nunez once again failed to score in the win over Brentford — seeing a stunning overhead kick be disallowed — the Uruguayan's performance was much, much improved. The striker bagged an assist for the opening goal of the game, setting Liverpool on their way to a3-0 victory at Anfield.

Speaking after the game to the press, Klopp was keen to praise his number nine, hailing Nunez's hold up play and his defensive work rate:

“How we controlled the moments we could control was absolutely exceptional. All the moments when we could keep the ball on the ground, when we could play football, when Darwin connected the game for us exceptionally, we were super dangerous for them.

“Standout in this defending was, really, Darwin. Because Brentford wants to play long balls, that’s one thing, but we need to know when.

“We can only influence that with one player, when you start the pressing from the centre you have to go for the goalie, without getting the ball, he passes to the centre-half and you follow that. The work rate was insane.”

The win has seen the Reds move up to second place in the Premier League heading into the international break.

feed