Pundits insist Jurgen Klopp is right to defend Roberto Firmino

Starting the first game of the season against Fulham last week (6 August), 30-year-old Roberto Firmino was not the effective player he was expected to be and was eventually replaced by 22-year-old Nunez. Nunez was instrumental in helping Liverpool equalise twice from two goals down, his goal and assist securing a 2-2 draw.

At a press conference on 12 August, Klopp acknowledged Firmino's problems against Fulham, but insisted he will not "judge by one or two games". Some pundits even have confidence in Firmino to lead the line against Palace, insisting Nunez can be "effective" off the bench.

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Words from the experts

"You can't write anyone off after one game. Nobody is really in their rhythm, and I think it takes four or five games to get there. No team has hit their stride yet," they said.

"I would stick with Firmino. I'm sure Nunez is still learning a lot about the Premier League, and right now he's effective when he comes off the bench," other pundits commented ahead of the game against Crystal Palace the following Monday.

“He could be a great weapon against Palace. Jurgen Klopp knows what he is doing and he sticks to what he knows. Nunez is still adapting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, but he will be ready to make his Anfield debut from the bench.” The Brazilian player has 12 months left on his Liverpool contract. The former Hoffenheim man scored 11 goals in 35 appearances for Klopp's side last season.