Whatever mind game Jurgen Klopp is playing ends now before it's too late. The more he tries, the bigger the consequences. One can only push his luck as far before reality catches up. And when it does, it is always mean and cold.
Darwin Nunez was signed to a subdued fanfare due to the acquisition of a well discussed, highly rated, prolific Norwegian named Erling Haaland by Liverpool's main rival, Manchester City. Nunez, a relentless, in-your-face kind of striker, delivers physicality, energy, work rate and goals. For some reasons, he wasn't hugely popular till February.
Last season's Champions League gave us a glimpse of what the lanky Uruguayan striker is capable of. He scored in both legs against Liverpool for his club back then, Benfica. Beyond the goals he scored in those two games, he was a complete nuisance. His continuous drifting from the central striker position to the left attacking midfield space was telling. He battered and bruised whichever defender came his way.
The likes of Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez, and Edinson Cavani are the most recent top class strikers to have hailed from Uruguay. Darwin Nunez already shared the toughness, touch of class, high work rate and ruthless efficiency associated with these legendary strikers of Uruguayan origin. He looked promising, but he was yet to play in a top tier league.
The competition in La Liga 2 and the Portuguese League, the two European leagues Nunez has competed in, is nothing compared to the craze the English Premier League supplies in abundance on a weekly basis. So it's quite normal to doubt his ability to make the cut in the most publicized football league in the world.
Despite the fear and doubt, Nunez looks the real deal. His first game in a Liverpool shirt was their ill-fated 4-0 loss to Manchester United. For some unimaginable reasons, people took a mere friendly match seriously and started firing shots at Nunez for what they considered a poor display. Some were quick to write him off.
Nunez responded by scoring four goals in the next preseason friendly, yet the haters were quick to dismiss his efforts. While the drama was unfolding, news of Roberto Firmino being targeted by Juventus propped up. Having bade farewell to Sadio Mane and Origi, losing another member of the fearsome Liverpool attack wasn't a welcome idea. Even though Luis Diaz had a wonderful half season, a reliable and consistent performer is still needed upfront. With Jota injured, losing Firmino would've left Liverpool with just three fit attackers. That's risky.
With Firmino still in the news for a possible departure, Klopp chose him ahead of Nunez against Manchester City. Of course, Firmino is still a seasoned performer who should not be dismissed because of the new kid on the block. However, the 90 minutes told a telling story. Though Liverpool ran City ragged in the opening 45 minutes, Firmino wasn't that dangerous. Nunez was introduced in the 59th minute, and he did way better than Firmino in half the time the Brazilian spent on the pitch. The Uruguayan was actually the Man of the Match despite playing 30 minutes.
Before the Fulham game, Klopp revealed that Nunez, though fit, doesn't have to start. He made good on his words and started Firmino ahead of him yet again. With Liverpool struggling to match Fulham's hunger, Nunez was introduced. Once again, the dude brought chaos. He unsettled the London club's defense and was just impossible to contain. He ended the game with a goal and assist, just like in the previous match against City.
With another telling contribution from Nunez, Klopp is now definitely between a rock and a hard place. He has a big decision to make. If he confirms Nunez as the first choice striker, Firmino definitely slips to third choice whenever Diogo Jota returns from injury. After spending the better part of last season as a spectator, will Firmino stay at Anfield knowing fully well he is third choice? If Firmino wants out, Klopp will be left with three fit attackers since Jota is out for a while. Will Klopp be willing to take that risk considering the workload and uniqueness of this season?
As far as I'm concerned, starting Firmino ahead of Nunez was Klopp's play to patronize Firmino. He was indirectly telling the Brazilian that he remains a big part of his plans, but having lost two points Klopp will have to face this reality - Firmino is now slow. The young, agile and chaotic Nunez should start now else, more points will be lost.
Whichever decision Klopp makes in the next few days, he is sure to lose something or someone. As long as that helps Liverpool remain competitive, the sacrifice will be worth it. After all, no one can have it all!
Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/klopp-player-master-football-5956499/