Ruben Amorim is now being linked with the Liverpool job, with the news that Xabi Alonso is staying at Bayer Leverkusen. He has had great success at Sporting Lisbon, particularly in maximising the output of his striker Viktor Gyokeres. There are many parallels to be drawn between Gyokeres and Nunez which suggest that Amorim could have a great impact on the Uruguayan.
How Ruben Amorim Can Save Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool Career
Similarities Between Viktor Gyokeres and Darwin Nunez
Viktor Gyokeres and Darwin Nunez have very similar play styles. Both strikers are very quick and agile, allowing them to make darting runs and get into great positions.
The Swede has scored 22 goals in the league this season, with 21 inside the box. Nunez has scored 19 league goals for Liverpool, with 18 inside the box.
Both strikers have also acted as great playmakers: Liverpool’s centre-forward has 12 assists while Sporting’s has 14.
Similarities Between Jurgen Klopp and Ruben Amorim
Both Amorim and Klopp’s tactics involve long balls from centre-backs who can pass with great accuracy (Virgil van Dijk and Sebastian Coates) to forwards making proactive runs.
They both also play with a very similar high press.
Therefore, Nunez would certainly be suited to the Sporting Lisbon manager’s play style.
Gyokeres has also overperformed his expected goals by six in the league, meanwhile, Nunez is underperforming his by almost four. Whilst Liga Portugal is undoubtedly an easier league, if Amorim can bring the Uruguayan level to his XG, Liverpool will be difficult to stop.
Additional Benefits for Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz may also benefit from the potential arrival of the 39-year-old manager.
Amorim has had success at maximising output from his wingers too: Pedro Goncalves has 16 goals and 13 assists in 40 matches from the left wing this season.
The Portuguese international also scored 20 and assisted 13 under the head coach in the last campaign.
Meanwhile, Diaz has scored just seven from an XG of over 9 in the Premier League this season. Expect Amorim to increase his output too.
