John Aldridge shared his thoughts on Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez and Ibrahima Konate in his latest column for the ECHO.
Diogo Jota appeared rusty but it was necessary for him to get some playing time. However, Nunez’s performance left Aldridge disappointed. He felt that Nunez lacked his usual work rate and intensity, and seemed disinterested on the field. As a substitute for Liverpool, Aldridge expected Nunez to show determination and fight for his place, but he fell short of expectations.
Aldridge compared Nunez’s lack of effort to the dedication shown by past Liverpool forwards like Roger Hunt and Ian Rush. He emphasized the importance of forwards contributing defensively and closing down opponents, which Nunez failed to do. Aldridge believed that Nunez’s performance made things harder for Liverpool by not actively participating in the game.
Regarding Konate, Aldridge supported Jurgen Klopp’s decision to substitute him out despite not receiving a red card. He recognized Konate’s potential but emphasized the importance of learning when to go in for challenges. On the other hand, Aldridge praised youngsters like Jarell Quansah, as well as Endo and Conor Bradley, for making a positive impact when they came on.
Aldridge dismissed the notion of Liverpool suffering from fatigue as an excuse, stating that elite athletes like Liverpool’s players take care of themselves properly. He urged the team to focus on their upcoming games without looking ahead too far, especially with a crucial week ahead facing Aston Villa and Manchester City.
He emphasized the significance of winning games one at a time and building on each victory, rather than worrying about the overall league standings. Aldridge highlighted the potential mental advantage of a victory over Aston Villa, emphasizing that every game must be approached with focus and determination in order to achieve the desired results at the end of the season.
