Jurgen Klopp complimented Darwin Nunez as a defensive “standout” in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Brentford, adding that the striker “connected the game.”
Nunez did not leave Anfield with a goal, as two were ruled out for offside, but it was one of the No. 9’s most complete displays.
Nunez was constantly involved and threatening throughout, as seen by his completion of the entire 90 minutes in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since the 3-1 loss to Brentford in January.
The striker and Liverpool as a whole had a difficult challenge, with Klopp praising his part in “connecting the game.”
“How we controlled the moments we could control was absolutely exceptional,” the manager said following the game to reporters.
“All of the times we could keep the ball on the ground, play football, and Darwin connected the game for us exceptionally, we were extremely dangerous for them.”
“To be honest, we scored some fantastic goals. It was an excellent performance against one of the most challenging opponents.”
“Generally, the defending was really good,” Klopp remarked.
“In this defense, Darwin really stood out. It’s one thing for Brentford to want to play long balls, but we need to know when.
“We can only influence that with one player; when you start pressing from the center, you must go for the goalie – without the ball! – he passes to the center-half, and you follow.”
“So the work rate was insane.”
