Arne Slot admits 'challenge' of finding Darwin Nunez's best position
- Slot keen to find a way to utilise Nunez in Liverpool squad
- Diogo Jota maintains position as first-choice striker
- Reds set to face Crystal Palace on Saturday
Arne Slot has opened up on the challenge of finding the best way to use Darwin Nunez, with the forward struggling to earn a spot in Liverpool's starting lineup.
Nunez has featured in seven of the Reds' games so far in the 2024/25 campaign, making four appearances in the Premier League, three of which came from the bench. While Diogo Jota seems to be Slot's first-choice striker, Nunez has struggled to make his mark in the squad, settling for cup games or late substitutions.
A spot on the left wing remains an option for Nunez, but Luis Diaz is in electric form and Cody Gakpo has impressed as his deputy, leaving the Uruguay international out on the fringes.
Slot has admitted that figuring out Nunez's position in his squad remains an ongoing project for Liverpool, who are keen to see the Uruguayan earn more time on the pitch.
"I think it's the challenge we as staff always have to bring the best out of the individuals," he told reporters. "We try to find different ways of positioning Darwin than Diogo because they are not the same players.
"Their teammates also adjust to the player they are playing with. That's also what I as a manager have to do and also what we are doing. Yes, he didn't score in his last game because he was offside as well. When we bring him the chances, he is able to score but unfortunately we couldn't bring him that much in the position we want to.
"If I'm completely honest even Diogo didn't have [many goals]. I think the most goals we score come from our wingers until now and Diogo scored two when we played West Ham when he played from the number 10 position. So maybe it's also, for us something to look at, although we score a lot of goals, to bring our striker if it's Diogo or Darwin even more in positions to score."
Liverpool return to action on Saturday when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League ahead of the international break.