Virgil van Dijk has told Darwin Nunez he needs to overcome his ‘rival’ Diogo Jota in order to keep his place in Liverpool’s team.
Nunez was handed his first start of the season by Arne Slot against Bournemouth on Saturday. He marked the occasion in style as he scored a stunning goal to cap off a 3-0 victory at Anfield.
The Uruguay international was left noticeably emotional as he celebrated his strike in front of the crowd. It was his first goal for the Reds since April, with his last start for the club coming in the derby day defeat to Everton last season.
- I've seen 3 Liverpool players change their fortunes as Arne Slot prediction comes true
- Liverpool just dropped quiet transfer hint as Arne Slot success hinges on 5 players
Jota had been keeping him out of the side during the opening five games of the current campaign, with the Portuguese earning Slot’s trust after returning from Euro 2024 earlier.
Nunez, meanwhile, was restricted to cameo appearances from the bench until he got the nod from Liverpool’s new head coach at the weekend. Reflecting on his first start of the season, Van Dijk outlined the challenge facing Nunez in what looks to be a make-or-break season for him.
“Obviously, happy for him,” Van Dijk told Liverpool’s official website. “He has to keep working, keep being important when he has the chance.
“Obviously, he has a very good ‘opponent’ or ‘rival’ or however you want to call it in Diogo Jota with him, so they have to challenge each other and push each other. That’s the only way we can be successful.
“The way he responded today after his first start of the season is obviously the one we want to see. He has to keep working, like the rest of the team.”
Nunez may get another chance to impress on Wednesday as Liverpool faces West Ham in the Carabao Cup. The competition for places in the Reds’ front three is heating up, with Luis Diaz starting the season in superb form, while Federico Chiesa has indicated he is ready to start games after making his Premier League debut.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool is in a very strong position with its forward options, with six top class players all now vying for a place in Slot’s side. Nunez deserves to keep hold of his spot after his performance on Saturday, but he will also know that there will be somebody ready to replace him should his form dip at any point – it’s up to him to show he has improved on his first two seasons at the club.
