Virgil van Dijk says Darwin Nunez should overcome ‘rival’ in Liverpool squad

Virgil van Dijk has praised Darwin Nunez for his objective in Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth on Saturday, however says the striker should overcome his ‘rival’ Diogo Jota to succeed on the membership.

Nunez has endured a irritating begin to the 2024/25 marketing campaign, restricted to simply 84 minutes in 4 substitute appearances and failing to attain or help previous to Saturday.

However the Uruguay worldwide was given the nod at Anfield in opposition to Bournemouth as Jota was rested as an unused substitute.

Nunez rewarded Arne Slot for giving him the chance by emphatically scoring Liverpool’s third in a 3-0 win over the Cherries, whereas additionally working onerous for the staff with 4 tackles, two recoveries and one clearance.

This effort from Darwin Nunez ??? pic.twitter.com/stu5K59D2J

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 21, 2024

Nunez should overcome Liverpool ‘rival’ Jota, says Van Dijk

Liverpool captain Van Dijk was stuffed with reward for Nunez after the match, however careworn the 25-year-old ‘has to maintain working’ in an effort to overcome Jota in Slot’s beginning XI.

“Clearly, comfortable for him,” mentioned Van Dijk (by way of Liverpool’s official web site). “He has to maintain working, maintain being vital when he has the prospect.

“Clearly, he has an excellent ‘opponent’ or ‘rival’ or nevertheless you wish to name it in Diogo Jota with him, in order that they need to problem one another and push one another. That’s the one method we may be profitable.

“The best way he responded immediately after his first begin of the season is clearly the one we wish to see. He has to maintain working, like the remainder of the staff.”

Nunez will hope for one more begin as Liverpool host West Ham United within the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.

Prime picture by Michael Regan/Getty Photos