Darwin Nunez may thank the Liverpool press for his current improvement.
The high press and, more specifically, the gegenpress, as the Uruguayan attempts to master the maneuvers to fit Jürgen Klopp’s choreography.
When Klopp mentioned Nunez’s ‘massive steps’ in the midst of the current seven-game winning streak, the manager was referring to a Premier League goal every 74 minutes, compared to every 189 a year earlier.
Nunez’s developing defensive output is just as important, if not more so. The 24-year-old has been responsible for 14 recovery challenges in eight games across all leagues. That works out to one every 24 minutes, compared to one every 37 minutes last season. Cody Gakpo, a more natural ‘false 9’, completes a recovery every 19 minutes this season.
Nunez is also averaging more tackles per 90 minutes and winning more ground duels than in 2022-23.
He is not yet at the level of Roberto Firmino – it is not Klopp’s desire for Nunez to become a centre-forward with the precise profile of the Brazilian – but the process of becoming a diverse No 9 is progressing.
The rising trajectory is gaining more supporters, none more so than Kop icon Ian Rush, who mastered the technique of ‘defending from the front’ while retaining an exceptional goal rate.
“We’re all aware of Nunez’s ability with the ball. “It’s always been about what he can do without it and how fast he can learn,” Rush explains.
“He has always worked hard, but where you put in the work is the key to pressing.” Pressing is all about waiting. It’s all about understanding who and where you’re going to close down the defender in that split second.”
As the club great and ambassador has performed Anfield duties, Nunez and Rush have just exchanged greetings.
If they spend more time together, Nunez will be comforted that it is nothing unusual for a young Kop striker to adjust to the weight of his No 9 shirt.
Rush finished his Kop career with 346 goals but has frequently mentioned his difficult adjustment. The Welshman notoriously went seven games without scoring and was on the verge of being moved by the then-European champions until his fortunes dramatically changed in his second year at the club.
Being one of the hardest working attackers of all time was complemented by a more selfish streak in the penalty box.
“When I joined Liverpool it was Steve Heighway who taught me the importance of my position without the ball – of always being aware of what was around me so I was in the right space to close down the keeper, full-back or centre-half,” Rush recalls.
“With experience, you could almost force the keeper or defender to pass the ball where you wanted them to and then react.” They’d be in big trouble seven times out of ten.
“It’s also crucial to use your energy correctly. You don’t want to squander it chasing after defenders or the ball. It is knowing when to act.”
There were mitigating factors in Nunez’s struggles last season. Nunez appeared isolated and hesitant, more reactive than proactive, in the absence of a midfield with the physicality and drive to compress the ball in the opponent’s half. His best work was based on individual flashes of inspiration. That explains why he was described as ‘erratic’ or a chaos agent. He was freestyling in a previously synchronized structure, which became a luxury Klopp couldn’t afford until the foundations were firmer. Klopp stated this on multiple occasions.
There has already been a noticeable difference. Since pre-season, Nunez’s work ethic in training has improved. Another important reason is the increased quality and dynamism around him, particularly with the advanced midfielders more frequently and efficiently activating Liverpool’s high press.
Descriptions of Nunez as an untamed wild card are becoming dated. Whereas previous season a lack of scoring meant a minor contribution, that is no longer the case.
After last weekend’s triumph over West Ham, Klopp emphasized his defensive contribution once again as part of the continuous effort to guarantee Nunez’s development continues.
“I always said Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan were like psychologists,” Rush recalls.
“They knew how to get the most out of people.” That is something I see a lot of in Klopp with Nunez, which is why he is the ideal manager for him. There was a natural role for each of Salah, Firmino, and Sadio Mané, and they all knew how to react. It’s a little different today because there are so many possibilities.
“You can play into space with Nunez’s pace.” I had players on my side who could deliver. Now it appears that Nunez has it as well. Put it there and he’ll get there since he’s so fast.
“He was already demonstrating an incredible work rate last season.” He is quick and has the potential to score goals. He’s always said that if he learns more about his position off the ball, he’ll be a better player. He has everything he needs to be one of the greatest defenders in the league. As he gains more experience, it will become second nature to him. The football brain develops at different rates for different players, but it is most visible in what a player does away from the ball.”
Nunez will have returned the £85 million if he scores a third of Rush’s total in a Liverpool shirt. But, as Klopp frequently stated about Firmino, becoming a great Liverpool No 9 is about more than goals.