Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained Darwin Nunez needs time to settle as the Reds' club record transfer starts on the bench away at newly-promoted Fulham.
Many expected the expensive summer signing to start from the off against the Cottagers, but Klopp clearly had other ideas and explained his thoughts ahead of kick-off in west London. "Darwin needs time to settle and we need to mix it up a bit. Bobby [Roberto Firmino] is a baller. The other two boys have speed. It's about mixing it up - we thought it would be better to start with Bobby today.
"It's all fine. I am really happy - it's really cool. We have to be ready. We feel ready, the pre-season was really good. But we have had too many injuries. We need the boys coming back sooner rather than later."
Firmino certainly offers a different set of qualities to Nunez and the latter will have plenty of time to make an impact on the opening day of the season.
Both of the aforementioned duo were the subject of a particularly heated exchange during Klopp's most recent presser after the Reds boss was asked whether Firmino could help Nunez's development and adjustment period at Anfield.
"They're completely different players. They like each other, and they talk to each other a lot, but they are completely different players; what do you mean? I don't understand this, to be honest. So like one player teaches another player, what? So it's about they're both from South America?
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"They like each other a lot, both are offensive players, but they play in different positions. Bobby is an exceptional player and has his own way of playing football. Imagine if he tried to play like Darwin or the other way around; so a bit strange. It's not necessary. As a person, yes, like they all do. But as a player, no, I'm not sure."
The Uruguayan international has enjoyed a solid start to life in Merseyside and netted within minutes of coming off the bench against Manchester City in the recent Community Shield clash.
Nunez scored the Reds third and final goal of the game and was heavily involved from the moment he was introduced. He also helped Liverpool win the penalty to put them in the lead against Pep Guardiola's side.
If he can enjoy a similar cameo against Fulham, there's every chance Nunez does earn a start next time out.
