“To score that goal was important" - Van Dijk on Nunez's strike against Man City

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk was delighted to see new-boy Darwin Nunez score against Manchester City in the Community Shield final last weekend.

The Reds defeated the Citizens 3-1 at the King Power Stadium to secure the shield.

Nunez, who joined Liverpool from Benfica for a transfer fee of £67.50 million earlier this summer, scored the final goal of the match.

Van Dijk believes that the goal will be important for the striker's confidence heading into the future.

“To score that goal was important,” the Dutchman told The Telegraph.

“For him it’s just the same as me (when signing for Liverpool). The transfer fee for example is not something you should think about. I don’t think he does.

“He has to keep learning, keep working and we play in a way where the striker has to do a lot of defending as well and there’s something for strikers to learn.

“Bobby (Firmino) mastered it and he’s one of the best ones in that position to do it so he can learn from Bobby but also bring his own qualities into the game as well with runs in behind. You have to mix it up.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

We completely agree with Van Dijk's take. Scoring against the reigning champions of England in the Community Shield final should give Nunez plenty of confidence heading into the 2022-23 season.

Liverpool will face Fulham at Craven Cottage next weekend to kickstart their Premier League campaign.

It will be interesting to see if Nunez starts against the Cottagers. The Uruguay international was a second half substitute against Manchester City last weekend.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is always full of surprises, so who knows what the starting XI will be.