“He has been doing that much better” - Virgil van Dijk highlights how 25-year-old star has improved under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot 

AC Milan v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 - Source: Getty
Virgil van Dijk highlights how 25-year-old star has improved under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has claimed that Darwin Nunez looks more calm and composed since the arrival of Arne Slot at the helm of the club. The Reds seem to have transitioned quite well from the Jurgen Klopp era to the Arne Slot era, with the Dutchman winning five of his six games in charge.

Ryan Gravenberch and Luis Diaz are the two players who have seemingly improved under Slot's tutelage. Now, Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has stated that Darwin Nunez has also undergone a positive change.

The Reds defender has revealed that Slot has been working in training with Nunez closely and is working on his composure. He has insisted that the Uruguay international has improved in that aspect but needs to keep working.

The former Southampton defender said, as quoted by Rousing the Kop:

“For him, coming into a club like Liverpool with that price tag, there is always going to be pressure to produce week in, week out and he is trying to do that but it is not always that easy."
“Now, it is time for him to stay calm and I think, in my opinion, he has been doing that much better and the manager is busy with him a lot and us as players and we just have to keep him close to us and keep going."

Van Dijk has urged Nunez to work on his consistency and showcase his talent whenever he gets an opportunity. The Liverpool and Netherlands skipper added:

"He started [against Bournemouth] but he might not start the next game and we want him to be consistent and keep doing it and doing it when he comes on and when he starts."
“That’s the main thing: don’t get dragged into the positivity and then the low of the negativity or you will be dizzy at a certain point. Consistency is the key. I think he shouldn’t get carried away – but he won’t – and now is the time for him to recover and focus on the next opportunity he gets. That’s football.”

Darwin Nunez has made just one start across competitions this season which was against Bournemouth on Saturday, September 21. The 25-year-old scored an absolutely world-class goal from a tight angle but also missed easier chances.

Nunez joined Liverpool in the summer of 2022 from Benfica in a deal worth a reported £85 million. He has scored 34 goals and provided 17 assists in 101 appearances for the Merseyside giants to date.


Pundit urges Liverpool player to leave Anfield and join another PL club

Former Manchester City and Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has urged Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher to secure a move away from Anfield. The pundit insisted that the Republic of Ireland international is too good to not be playing on a weekly basis.

Kelleher filled in for an injured Alisson Becker against Bournemouth and did so to great effect as the Reds beat the Cherries 3-0. The 25-year-old made seven saves and also registered a passing accuracy of 89%.

Following the game, Shay Given urged his compatriot to leave the Merseyside giants. He said on BBC Sport Final Score:

“Caoimhin Kelleher is so composed and never gets flustered – he has a calm presence. I think he is good enough to be number one somewhere else in the Premier League. Liverpool is a great club, but you have one career and one chance. I think he needs to move."

Kelleher has been a great servant to Liverpool over the years, having come through the club's academy ranks. He made 26 appearances across competitions last season and kept five clean sheets while conceding 32 goals as Alisson had an injury-ravaged campaign.

Quick Links

Edited by Ritwik Kumar
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications