Identity of intensity won't change': James Pearce explains how Klopp will try and fit Nunez in attack

Sadio Mane has left and Darwin Nunez has arrived at Liverpool. While Mane was playing as a false nine during the second half of the last season, Nunez does not have the same experience at that position.

In Benfica, Nunez played in a two-man strike system, drifting to the centre from the left-hand side. Asked how Jurgen Klopp intends to fit the striker in Liverpool's high-intensity system, James Pearce answered.

"Liverpool’s mantra of “our identity is intensity” won’t change. Darwin Nunez will adjust to what’s demanded from him off the ball — Klopp and his staff don’t have any concerns about that.

"How quickly he starts games is down to him but I don’t envisage a long adaptation period. I think he’s got all the attributes required to make a massive impression at Anfield.

"Nunez’s arrival does give Klopp the option of playing 4-2-3-1 more regularly with the Uruguay frontman as the focal point [pictured below]:

"You could have Luis Diaz on the left, Salah on the right and then Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino or Fabio Carvalho as the No 10 operating behind Nunez. But he won’t just ditch playing 4-3-3.

"The manager wants his team to be unpredictable so there are bound to be tactical tweaks for the season ahead.

"Twelve months ago we saw Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role evolve with Salah staying wide more often and the right-back occupying more central areas when attacking. 

"Klopp and Lijnders also brought in the guys from Neuro11 to work on the mental side of taking penalties, free kicks and corners. That relationship will continue and it will be intriguing to see what’s added to the mix this time around."

Source: James Pearce