Peter Crouch claimed Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez will be unhappy with Jurgen Klopp's decision to put him on the bench for the Premier League game against Fulham on August 6.
The Reds began their league campaign at Craven Cottage with hopes of starting the season with a win against a newly-promoted side. However, a resilient Fulham managed to secure a 2-2 draw.
Klopp raised a few eyebrows by leaving Nunez on the bench and starting Roberto Firmino instead. The Uruguay international was the Reds' headline signing this summer, costing them a fee in the region of €100 million with add-ons.
Crouch was one such bemused onlooker, who claimed before the game that Nunez would be fuming to be left out of the starting XI. According to him, Nunez's goal-scoring exploits last month warranted a place for him in Liverpool's front three against Marco Silva's side.
The 23-year-old scored four goals in 45 minutes against RB Leipzig in a pre-season game, which the Reds won 5-0. Nunez then scored the last goal in a 3-1 win for Liverpool in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Speaking on BT Sport (h/t Liverpool Echo), Crouch said:
"The thing is you’re chomping at the bit. If you have a good pre-season, you score goals. He got four in pre-season, one in the Community Shield, if I’m a striker, I’m fuming, I’d be angry."
Nunez was substituted for Firmino in the 51st minute of the game when the scoreline was 1-0 in Fulham's favor, courtesy of an Aleksandar Mitrovic goal.
Darwin Nunez made a huge impact for Liverpool against Fulham
Liverpool looked much more threatening following Nunez's arrival. Firmino failed to influence the game until that point but the Uruguayan went on to make an impressive Premier League debut.
Shortly after coming on, Nunez had a smart flick inside the box saved by Marek Rodak. However, he scored his first goal in England's top division when he finished off a dangerous cross from Mohamed Salah in the 64th minute.
Klopp's side fell behind once again following an uncharacteristic error from Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender fouled Mitrovic inside the box to concede a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by the Serbian in the 71st minute.
The former SL Benfica striker found himself with Salah inside Fulham's box nine minutes later. The ball pinged off his feet directly into the Egypt international's path, who scored the fourth (and last) goal of the match.
Nunez's instant impact could perhaps influence Klopp's selection for the game against Crystal Palace next season. The Reds take on Patrick Vieira's side at Anfield on Monday, August 15.
Paul Merson has predicted all the GW 1 fixtures of the Premier League. More details right here
Cohabdensy
1
And he brought on Elliot while he got Carvalho on the bench who is more of technical and pestering defender and midfielders…I wouldn’t take out Diaz too..Come on boss fix up..
jouabdmot
4
Klopp is a genius he doesn't have to rush Darwin. Let him see things from the bench first. He is also helping him by taking off pressure from the media and for him to settle properly. Haaland will be rushed and he will crush.
reweilnrt
1
Fulham were a better side, especially in the midfield. Coming up with 4-2-3-1formation, made it very difficult for our aged midfielders to control the game.
Biodex_7
1
We all Love Firmino buh common nunez should have started
Biodex_7
0
That's why most of them end up as Pundit, because they don't understand the game soccer. if Peter Crouch was a coach, so he would start Nunez ahead of Firmino??
Lol be honest with yourself with you start firmino ahead of nunez
daebcdeprs
0
the problem Kloop is having is the replacement of furbinho and Henderson, they r too old 2relay on them
darrenham
0
Spot on... He is bought at such a high price to play to perform and to score why keep him on the bench? No time to chase points for EPL league if u want to be the champion
Wake up dude... Every points is precious.... Esp first game.... Chasing leader is not a ideal start!
Recbnprsz
0
That's why most of them end up as Pundit, because they don't understand the game soccer. if Peter Crouch was a coach, so he would start Nunez ahead of Firmino??
so you want to say firmino form is better than Nunez?? deluded fans only living in the past
YNWA32
2
That's why most of them end up as Pundit, because they don't understand the game soccer. if Peter Crouch was a coach, so he would start Nunez ahead of Firmino??
ziaacilmnu
0
Spot on... He is bought at such a high price to play to perform and to score why keep him on the bench? No time to chase points for EPL league if u want to be the champion
Not spot on. It's the first game of the season. Expectations are high. He needs to integrate Nunez. Duh!
AnupMaharjan
0
if you're real liverpool fan and been observing klopp over the years..dats exactly ow klopp treat all his new signings..he allow the player a fair chance to improve or play yourself out of the starting line up..he did it with Robertson..wen robbo was clearly better Dan the Spanish left back..but he still started him until he got injured and never saw the team again til he's now at villareal..he did it with fabinho..mignolet and the list goes on..so wen your game is sealed den its sealed..me personally..I agree wit bringing on Nunez off the bench for now bcuz he better impact yhs games off the bench so far..dont force him into the starting line up..bcuz if he doesn't score ..these same ediots and haters are gonna say Nunez is failure..so my coach is a genius..its a recurring team for liverpool players over the years..they underrate some teams..play as if they already win the match or they go up 2nil or more den get over confident and start play straight up fuckery..plus pur midfielder keep letting is down..we need creativity in midfield
I don't care if nunez score or not he needs to start every game....coz his impact is very big even without scoring goal... playing firmino as no 9 is not working any more... just switch to 4-2-3-1 play firmino and carvaloh as CAM...
darrenham
1
Spot on... He is bought at such a high price to play to perform and to score why keep him on the bench? No time to chase points for EPL league if u want to be the champion
AnupMaharjan
0
if he wants to play firmino just switch to 4-2-3-1...give his CAM role ...coz nunez needs yo start every game..... there was many crosses in first half..if nunez was there we would have scored at least one...
Yudbclopty
2
klop should play his second team..cz Fulham is very small team..shame on klop n Liverpool cz first team just get a draw only with small team...🤣🤣🤣, I think if mancty gonna demolish fulhum..mancty 8 fulhum 0...citizen for life..
kohakmopu
0
You are a true Liverpool fan, that's exactly how klopp treats new boys, he has to come when the opponent is tired and cause them problems as he is gaining enough confidence
buyabelmst
0
sack klopp
Troll stfu
buyabelmst
0
sacking klopp is the best option 😜😜😜
stfu ya melt
Caobimnryz
2
sack klop wife😂😂😂😂
Badhur
0
It’s just the start We have a long long way to go so chill Mates
Dotcdkst
2
sacking klopp is the best option 😜😜😜
Wudbinprst
1
sack klopp
skychilee
0
I won’t blame Klopp for putting Nunez on the bench in the 1st half. W/O the patient and observation, you can’t see Nunez smoothness in position and response with other teammates when on pitch. Nunez is just a hungry lion, let’s wait and see more of his power and contribution in the rest of the matches. His finish was just classy ! 👏👍
Bocbelopsz
3
if you're real liverpool fan and been observing klopp over the years..dats exactly ow klopp treat all his new signings..he allow the player a fair chance to improve or play yourself out of the starting line up..he did it with Robertson..wen robbo was clearly better Dan the Spanish left back..but he still started him until he got injured and never saw the team again til he's now at villareal..he did it with fabinho..mignolet and the list goes on..so wen your game is sealed den its sealed..me personally..I agree wit bringing on Nunez off the bench for now bcuz he better impact yhs games off the bench so far..dont force him into the starting line up..bcuz if he doesn't score ..these same ediots and haters are gonna say Nunez is failure..so my coach is a genius..its a recurring team for liverpool players over the years..they underrate some teams..play as if they already win the match or they go up 2nil or more den get over confident and start play straight up fuckery..plus pur midfielder keep letting is down..we need creativity in midfield
JiminOppa
0
This should do
Poecdikmop
0
please be honest if you are making your promotion make it but not on this platform because this is disgusting and nonsense thing you are doing
Simpler02
3
Meanwhile Arsenal fans hope this squad gonna be the next invisibles
decaeikos
1
stop the nonsense, allow the manager to do his work..
TiyanjaneChalamwendo
0
that's why i love the game. hits and misses
Yipcnprtz
0
that was a better selection for me
ogggg
3
spurs crossing in street today😂
fabadkprty
4
What Peter Crouch means, is that Nunez supposed to hv started a head of Firmino. With his impart Liverpool could hv won the match, instead of the draw.
Witbcdps
1
Klopp's decision was excellent.
Realmadridforlife555
2
There are 11 players who start a game not 12 Mr pundit