Darwin Nunez could face long-term exodus from Liverpool XI as new details emerge – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Diogo Jota will put pressure on every Liverpool attacker when he returns from injury next month.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old is best in a central role – meaning he could replace the banned Darwin Nunez in the near future.
Jota is still on the sidelines with a hamstring injury at present but could return for the Merseyside derby clash against Everton on 3 September, according to Goal (17 August).
Nunez was red-carded after lashing out at Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen during Monday’s 1-1 draw at Anfield – and now faces a ban of at least three matches for violent conduct.
Jota, who has scored 34 goals in 85 games for Liverpool since joining in 2020, has played all across the front three for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Portugal international signed a fresh five-year deal at Anfield earlier this month.
Whelan insisted his late runs into the box make him a perfect candidate to play the striker role.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Jota is so important to Liverpool.
“He can put pressure on Diaz, Salah, Firmino, or Nunez – he can play anywhere across that front three.
“I think the best position for him is that central role – allowing him to make those late runs into the box.
“There are many ways you can use Jota and that’s the good part about what he brings to the side. He’s no one-trick pony.
“He’s a very capable player, and we saw that when he stood up and took charge while Salah and Mane were away at the African Cup of Nations.
“Look, to have that kind of versatility – that’s pressure on that whole front line.”
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