Darwin Núñez has been in fine form for his country over the last few matches.
The Liverpool man has scored three goals and two assists in his last five games for Uruguay, two of which were against Brazil and Argentina.
Marcelo Bielsa has been the manager of La Celeste since May of this year, and his influence has certainly been having a good effect on Darwin Núñez.
Speaking ahead of Uruguay’s match against Bolivia, Liverpool’s No.9 spoke about the ‘demands’ that Bielsa has about his role as a striker:
“He’s a coach who has things very clear,” the 24-year-old began via El Pais.
“[He] asks us to make the pressure strong, all together from the back to the front.”
“We try to apply what he tells us on the pitch and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
Núñez then revealed instructions from Bielsa that surprised him:
“What caught my attention the most is that (he asked me to) run behind the centre-backs.”
“It’s a very big demand for a striker.”
“But I’m adapting to the game that Marcelo wants. I try to apply what he asks of me.”
Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, who plays with Núñez for Uruguay, also remarked on Bielsa’s instructions while also sharing his thoughts on the Liverpool man:
“I was surprised by the intensity he [Bielsa] asks of us.”
“In my zone, when I’m in defence, [he tells me] to try to do what I do at the club: play the ball out, try to find vertical passes for this beast (Darwin) that doesn’t stop running.”
Darwin Núñez’s pace couple with his determination means he is perfect for making consistent runs in-behind the defence.
If the 24-year-old can bring those penetrating runs to Anfield, then Jurgen Klopp will have other angles and ways of breaking down stubborn defences.
Núñez and his nation will play Boliva on Wednesday in yet more World Cup qualifiers.
