Jurgen Klopp urged to make change to Liverpool line-up after star’s ‘angry’ admission
Liverpool have started the season well, but boss Jurgen Klopp has still been told he needs to change his starting line-up when the Reds return to Premier League action
Jurgen Klopp has been told to drop Cody Gakpo in favour of Darwin Nunez when Liverpool return to Premier League action.
Nunez has started just three top-flight games this season to Gakpo’s five, but has made a greater contribution to the Reds in front of goal. The club’s record signing has scored three times in the Premier League, as well as notching two assists.
He also scored and assisted in the Europa League opener against LASK. Gakpo meanwhile has scored just three times in all competitions, with former Liverpool star Danny Murphy now demanding that Klopp make a change up-front.
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“I really like what I see. I’ve been calling for a while now to give him a really good run of games because any young striker who is trying to build his confidence and his standing at a football club needs a good run of games,” Murphy told talkSPORT.
“He will score goals, he must be a nightmare to play against. If he plays for you all the time, will he get you 20 goals? I think he would, I think he will. I think he looks capable. I think he looks quick, good in the air, huge.
“Look, Liverpool have got good options in attacking areas. When you play the best team, him down the middle, Diaz and Salah right and left is the way I’d be playing. Not Gakpo. And I like Gakpo.
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United at Anfield on September 24, 2023 in Liverpool, England.
Jurgen Klopp has been told to bring Darwin Nunez into his starting line-up ( Image: Getty Images)
“I always look at it like this, if you’re a centre-half for Man City, for Man United, for Tottenham, for Arsenal, you see the Liverpool teamsheet and Gakpo’s playing or Nunez is playing, who worries you more? Nunez.”
Murphy’s comments come after Nunez admitted he was ‘angry’ at being benched. The striker is currently on international duty with Uruguay and has spoken out about his time as a substitute.
“The minutes I get to play I always try to give my best. When it’s my turn to be on the bench, I go in angry in a good way because I always want to prove myself,” the Liverpool star told Uruguay’s Sport 890.
“The hug with Klopp after the match shows what a good relationship there is. I’m very happy for my moment. I always prepare myself in the best way for when it’s my turn.”
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Nunez will hope to prove his worth to Klopp as Uruguay face Colombia and Brazil in their next set of World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Just a few days after the clash with the Selecao, Liverpool return to Premier League action.
And Klopp’s side have a mouthwatering first game back with the Merseyside derby against Everton. Gakpo was injured in the defeat to Tottenham but is expected to return for the visit of the Toffees, leaving Klopp with a decision to make over who starts up-front.
