Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has defended Darwin Nunez by highlighting his all-round affect within the midst of his purpose struggles.
The Uruguay ahead, 25, has scored simply thrice in 19 membership appearances this season and didn’t take a lot of possibilities throughout Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League win towards Girona.
“For me, he has affect,” stated Slot earlier than his Premier League leaders host Fulham on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
“When you solely have a look at targets, he hasn’t scored the quantity of targets that he desires to attain, or we would like a quantity 9 to attain, however he does have affect in his work-rate. He is a part of a group that scores a number of targets and is profitable loads.
“After all, as a quantity 9 you need to rating extra targets and that is undoubtedly what he desires as properly. However I am not solely judging Mohamed Salah on his targets and Darwin on his targets – I additionally decide them on their work-rate and what they convey to the group.
“The followers assist him a lot that possibly he desires it an excessive amount of.”
Slot took Nunez off after 71 minutes towards Girona and believes the affect of lacking possibilities affected the ahead in that sport.
Nunez, showing to reply to some criticism about his efficiency, posted afterwards on Instagram: “They don’t seem to be all, they’re some. Thanks Reds on your assist, we’re all nonetheless collectively.”
In one other submit, he wrote “Resiliencia”, which is Spanish for resilience.
Slot added: “I made it clear to him that he isn’t solely judged on the targets he scores however the group efficiency.
“Ideally, he scores a number of targets extra. It’s the lifetime of a quantity 9 – generally you rating, generally you do not – however what ought to all the time be there may be the work-rate.
“That is what he had aside from two video games – the primary one towards Las Palmas [in pre-season] and the final half hour towards Girona wasn’t of the requirements he ought to have and that had loads to do with him being dissatisfied after lacking a number of possibilities.”
Slot may have forwards Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa again towards Fulham.
Portugal ahead Jota has been out with a chest harm since 20 October, whereas Chiesa has struggled for health since his summer time transfer from Juventus.
