Liverpool face Benfica in the Champions League quarterfinals and Jurgen Klopp raised a few eyebrows by commenting directly on Darwin Nunez.
The 22-year-old is in fine form this season and is undoubtedly Benfica’s most dangerous player.
With 31 goals in 36 games in all competitions, including 5 in the Champions League as well as one at Ibrahima Konate’s expense, it’s understandable why Liverpool are linked.
According to Empire of the Kop, Liverpool are will be offered the chance to sign the forward this summer with Jorge Mendes now co-representing him in the UK.
His £125million release clause will not be an issue as Benfica will reportedly accept around £66m for his sale which makes signing him much more palatable.
While speaking at his pre-match press conference, Klopp said: “(He’s) extremely good-looking boy and a decent player as well!
“Really good, really good, I have to say.
“I knew him before, of course. But he played pretty much in front of me with these tough battles with Ibou Konate.
“Physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish when he finished the goal off.
“Good, really good. Obviously how you say in these situations, if he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”
Nunez and his Benfica teammates flew to the United Kingdom and landed in Liverpool on Tuesday evening in preparation for the big game this evening.
With Villarreal causing an upset by knocking Bayern Munich out, Benfica will be driven to do the same and book their place in the semifinals to face the Yellow Submarine.
Benfica players have just arrived in Liverpool for their Champions League quarter-final second leg at Anfield tomorrow! 🇵🇹⚽️ pic.twitter.com/7yH8aNDLQV
— Liverpool John Lennon Airport (@LPL_Airport) April 12, 2022
Liverpool have a commanding 3-1 aggregate lead but will want to exercise caution against a dangerous side.
Complacency is Jurgen Klopp’s biggest enemy here as his players are coming in off a massive game against Manchester City with another one set to follow on Saturday.
Yet nothing is bigger than the Champions League and Liverpool have the chance to book their place in the semifinals and know they will face Villarreal if they progress.
