Just in: After Brentford’s defeat, Jurgen Klopp commends the under-fire Liverpool star despite not scoring.

• Klopp has praised Nunez’s work rate after the win over Brentford
• The number nine has come under-fire for his recent performances
• Nunez bagged an assist in the 3-0 win

Following Liverpool’s thrilling 3-0 victory against Brentford, Jurgen Klopp has saved particular appreciation for Darwin Nunez.

The forward has been under fire in the past week for his lack of contribution to the Reds’ victories over Toulouse and Luton Town, including squandering a clear opportunity to score in the match at Kenilworth Road. Former Liverpool player Jose Enrique even said that the forward would “never be a world class striker” as a result of the player’s actions.

Nunez’s performance was significantly better even though he was denied a spectacular overhead kick in the victory over Brentford. Nunez did not score in the match. The striker provided an assist for the first goal of the match, which put Liverpool ahead 3-0 at Anfield.

Speaking after the game to the press, Klopp was keen to praise his number nine, hailing Nunez’s hold up play and his defensive work rate:

“How we controlled the moments we could control was absolutely exceptional. All the moments when we could keep the ball on the ground, when we could play football, when Darwin connected the game for us exceptionally, we were super dangerous for them.

Speaking to the media following the match, Klopp was eager to compliment his number nine, praising Nunez’s defensive work rate and hold-up play:

“We performed incredibly well in the instances we could control. We posed a serious threat to them at all of the times we were able to play football and hold the ball on the ground, because to Darwin’s remarkable connection to the game.