When Liverpool announced the £85m signing of Darwin Nunez, some fans were surprised given his style of play.
The Reds have operated with a fluid front three since Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield; with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane operating as ‘false nine’ strikers at different times over the years.
With Nunez a more traditional number nine, it will be interesting to see how their style of play changes.
This could see slight tactical tweaks across the pitch but we predict it will make Liverpool a very interesting proposition this year.
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How will Liverpool be different?
As Premier League Panel discussed on Twitter, Nunez’s more traditional number nine traits, combined with some other factors, will see Liverpool tweak their playing style.
With the arrival of Luis Diaz, a player described as a touch-line winger, Liverpool have already seen a slight change.
Diaz’s wide position has allowed Andy Robertson more opportunities to under-lap the winger and get into positions such as this:
@PremierLeaguePanel – https://twitter.com/PremLeaguePanel/status/1551839814160449536
We already know Robertson’s quality from left-back; the Scottish international has provided 52 assists in 224 Liverpool games so far.
With the addition of Nunez, Liverpool now have a forward capable of being more of a presence in the air – which will surely lead to goals this season.
After all, last season the Uruguayan managed six headed goals (including Ajax in the Champions League Knockout Round) and with the ability of Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, it could allow Liverpool to go more direct to him in the box.
In the evening's other #UCL last-16 second leg, Darwin Nunez's header sent Benfica through to the quarter-finals at the expense of Ajax.
The 22-year-old has 26 goals in 33 games this season – flourishing on the biggest stage 🔥
🎬 @btsportfootball pic.twitter.com/9NLId6UGLQ
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 15, 2022
More game time for Tsimikas?
There is a call for Konstantinos Tsimikas to potentially play more games next season as a result of this change. He only started nine games in the league last season.
His delivery from out-wide has impressed and Klopp should certainly think about utilising the full-back more regularly – with some fans believing he offers more offensively.
Whereas Robertson possessed the better stats, Tsimikas created more chances per 90 and had an assist per 90 of 0.3 – which was just short of Robertson’s 0.4 per 90 with 16 more appearances under his belt.
His crossing accuracy fell just short of the Scotsman too which shows that the Greece international should be afforded more game time this season. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to keep Robertson completely fresh for the big games with Tsimikas deputising against the weaker sides.
With Diaz stretching the pitch wider as more of a touch-line winger,think we see an increase in Robertson moving inside in the final third to find these half-space crosses. He’s very good at arcing the ball into the right areas. It also becomes another way to supply Darwin Nuñez. pic.twitter.com/1HusD6v0E3
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) July 26, 2022
