Van Dijk Urges Liverpool Stars To Embrace Rivalry For Starting Spot | OneFootball

Van Dijk Urges Nunez to Challenge Jota for Starting Role at Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has thrown his support behind Darwin Nunez following his impressive performance in the Reds’ 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, but believes the Uruguayan striker must continue to push himself to compete with his ‘rival’ Diogo Jota for a permanent starting role.

Nunez Shows Promise in Bournemouth Win

After a slow start to the 2024/25 season, Nunez seized the opportunity given to him by Liverpool manager Arne Slot during Saturday’s Premier League match at Anfield. Nunez, who had only managed 84 minutes across four substitute appearances without contributing a goal or assist prior to the game, finally delivered. He netted Liverpool’s third goal in a comprehensive 3-0 win, while also contributing defensively with four tackles, two recoveries, and a crucial clearance.

It was a performance that demonstrated his commitment to both attack and defence, a key element of the high-pressing system favoured by Slot. While Nunez has clearly stepped up when called upon, the challenge remains for him to maintain this form and earn more regular starts over his teammate Jota.

Photo: IMAGO

Van Dijk on the Nunez-Jota Rivalry

Virgil van Dijk, speaking after the match, praised Nunez for his contribution but issued a reminder that the competition for starting spots at Liverpool is fierce.

“Obviously, happy for him,” Van Dijk said (via Liverpool’s official website). “He has to keep working, keep being important when he has the chance.”

Van Dijk went on to address the direct rivalry between Nunez and Jota for the number nine role. “Obviously, he has a very good ‘opponent’ or ‘rival’ or however you want to call it in Diogo Jota with him, so they have to challenge each other and push each other. That’s the only way we can be successful.”

Nunez has shown glimpses of his potential since joining Liverpool, but Jota’s versatility and consistency make him a difficult player to displace. Van Dijk’s comments reflect the competitive environment within the squad, where each player must continuously prove their worth to secure a spot in the starting eleven.

Jota’s Influence on Liverpool’s Attack

Diogo Jota has been a key figure in Liverpool’s attack since his arrival, offering goals, creativity, and a relentless work rate. His ability to play across the front three makes him invaluable to Slot’s tactical setup, and his sharp finishing has made him a fan favourite at Anfield.

However, this very versatility also means that Nunez’s role as a central striker comes under increased scrutiny. If Nunez can build on his latest performance, continuing to combine his physicality with smart movement and defensive work, he could offer a more traditional striking option compared to Jota’s multifaceted game.

Nunez Must Build on Bournemouth Performance

Nunez will now hope to carry his form into Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures, starting with Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie against West Ham United. Van Dijk emphasised the importance of Nunez’s ongoing development, highlighting the need for him to keep pushing.

“The way he responded today after his first start of the season is obviously the one we want to see,” Van Dijk said. “He has to keep working, like the rest of the team.”

For Nunez, the road to becoming a regular starter is clear – overcome the competition posed by Jota and consistently deliver performances that align with Slot’s demands. The battle between the two players is set to be one of the defining narratives of Liverpool’s season.