Liverpool’s document goalscorer Ian Rush believes confidence-building summer time tournaments for Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo will give them a lift as they put together for all times underneath new head coach Arne Slot.
Each gamers struggled to persistently discover their finest type throughout Jurgen Klopp’s closing two seasons however confirmed on the Copa America and Euro 2024 respectively they’re able to working on the highest stage.
Klopp’s departure won’t contain an entire reset however Slot is more likely to convey a recent pair of eyes to discovering an answer which brings one of the best out of the 2 forwards.
However the pair must play catch up because the squad flew out to the US this week with out them, forward of Friday’s first pleasant in opposition to Actual Betis, as they’re nonetheless on vacation after their event involvement.
Nevertheless, Rush believes their worldwide type – Nunez just lately scored 10 in seven matches for Uruguay earlier than his Copa America tailed off within the knockout stage, whereas Gakpo discovered the online thrice in six Euro 2024 video games – can present a stepping stone.
Nunez has blown cold and warm in his first two seasons on the membership however for all his expertise has infuriatingly missed numerous possibilities.
“Hopefully Nunez is Liverpool’s quantity 9. He is a good participant, he’s had possibilities he’s missed however he’s solely younger and he’s getting assured now,” Rush instructed the PA Information company on the reopening of the Liverpool FC Museum, which now features a part devoted to Klopp.
“On the finish of the day he has to indicate the brand new supervisor he’s succesful.
“I do know he’ll miss America however when the season begins he might be seeking to impress the supervisor.
“Hopefully he can get the arrogance to say to the supervisor ‘Play me week in, week out’ as I’m positive Slot might be saying ‘I need you as my primary (alternative)’.
“He’s obtained every part else, all he wants now could be (to be) changing possibilities.
“He’s had a improbable summer time. That breeds confidence. Generally once you return to your nation you do get extra assured.
“I used to be in an identical place in Italy (when he moved to Juventus); once you go to Wales you are feeling extra comfy as folks communicate the identical language and once you return (to your membership) it is a little more tough.”
Gakpo has suffered most from being a utility participant at Liverpool.
He began final season filling a gap in midfield however has additionally been performed on the left and thru the center and has by no means been in a position to nail down one place.
“I believe Gakpo has had a superb Euros. Perhaps taking part in for Holland provides him extra confidence,” added Rush.
“With Liverpool he’s not assured a begin the place with Holland he’s and that makes a distinction for confidence in a striker if you’re taking part in week in, week out.
“He is aware of he’s primarily based on the left aspect. We have now obtained Nunez and (Mohamed) Salah and he’s extra of an in-between man, a squad participant as a result of he can play in three or 4 completely different positions.
“In case you are not taking part in week in week out you don’t know what to do however I’m positive Slot will know what to do with him.
“He’s seen how he has been profitable with Holland on the Euros.”
