Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool “by no means doubted” the standard of Darwin Nunez following the striker’s current upturn in fortunes.
Nunez endured a irritating begin to life at Anfield following his big-money transfer from Benfica, receiving a straight card in opposition to Crystal Palace in simply his third look below Jurgen Klopp.
Nevertheless, the Uruguay worldwide is beginning to hit his stride in English soccer; his two objectives in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Southampton taking his tally for the season to 9.
“We by no means doubted his high quality however clearly, when you may have a price ticket like that and the objectives aren’t flowing such as you need, it’s good [he has shown character] and I believe he’s achieved very nicely,” Van Dijk stated.
“He has all of the qualities for a modern-day striker. There’s a cause why we purchased him, and he’s maturing, he’s stayed affected person, saved his head down and performed and that’s a credit score to him. Hopefully, he can maintain scoring and keep necessary for the group.
“Clearly, he learns how we wish to play, he learns what we anticipate from him, he performs somewhat bit on the left, but in addition has a free function coming into the center.
“It takes time. It’s a new workforce, new surroundings, new nation, new language, so it’s completely regular for him to take somewhat bit extra time [to settle in], however there isn’t any doubt the qualities are there, and the objectives will observe.”
Vamos, @Darwinn99pic.twitter.com/AYg43Y5Ab2
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 13, 2022
Van Dijk additionally heaped reward on goalkeeper Alisson, who made a string of spectacular saves to maintain Southampton at bay throughout the victory at Anfield.
The Netherlands skipper moreover highlighted Roberto Firmino’s character, with the ahead opening the scoring in opposition to the Saints after being disregarded of Brazil’s World Cup squad.
“[Alisson is] necessary for the group on and off the pitch,” Van Dijk added. “We don’t need him to should make saves, before everything. He had to take action [against Southampton] and he was excellent.
“Brazil are an excellent workforce, they’ve two of their greatest goalkeepers of their squad and in my view, the perfect goalie on this planet is Alisson.
“I believe Bobby [Firmino] needs to be in, however who am I to say that? He took it on the chin, all you are able to do is get well and be prepared for the remainder of the season and I believe he’ll do this.”
