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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jurgen Klopp sends Darwin Nunez message after promising Liverpool display

Jurgen Klopp is convinced the goals will come for Darwin Nunez at Anfield after the Liverpool striker posted an impressive Champions League display.

Nunez shone on only a third start following his £85million summer move from Benfica as a revamped Reds beat Rangers 2-0 on Tuesday evening.

The 23-year-old, still waiting for his first goal at his new home, was denied three times by outstanding visiting goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who was ultimately beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick and a penalty from Mohamed Salah.

READ MORE: Darwin Nunez critics should not ignore his Liverpool truth after Rangers display

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A new-look Liverpool attack saw Nunez lead the line with Diogo Jota in support and Salah and Luis Diaz on the right and left flanks respectively.

And of the Uruguayan’s desire to find the net at Anfield, Klopp said: “We can see that. The way the boys up front moved together was extremely, extremely good for only one session working on it, to be honest.

“We never did it before. We had now one session and that with low intensity because we only played recently.

“You saw how good a striker he is to be constantly in those situations. Everybody saw tonight that this will happen. So all good.”

Liverpool have strengthened their position in second place in Group A and stand three points ahead of Ajax, who were thrashed 6-1 at home by leaders Napoli.

Alexander-Arnold’s third goal of the season came after he received heavy criticism following a poor performance in Saturday’s 3-3 home Premier League draw against Brighton and Hove Albion.

And Klopp said: “He played a good game, defensively especially and a good goal. We cannot talk about it every week, Trent doesn’t have a defensive problem – we have a defensive problem, hopefully had.

“Our timing was not right and we take risks in defending, everybody knows that. When the timing is not right, you open gaps, and these gaps are very often at the back of Trent. Not because of him, but because of other situations and he has to track back and, yes, we were not in the perfect moment. That’s why we adjusted it slightly (tonight).

“It was a wonderful goal. What can I say? I could say that’s Trent, but it’s long ago since the last time he scored a free-kick, so I’m happy that he still has that in his locker.”

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