When Liverpool returns to Premier League action, Jurgen Klopp has been ordered to bench Cody Gakpo in favor of Darwin Nunez.

Nunez has only started three Premier League games this season, compared to Gakpo’s five, but he has made a better contribution to the Reds in front of goal. The club’s record signing has scored three goals and provided two assists in the Premier League.

He also scored and assisted against LASK in the Europa League opening. Meanwhile, Gakpo has only scored three goals in all competitions, prompting former Liverpool player Danny Murphy to insist that Klopp make a move up front.

“I like what I’m seeing. “I’ve been pleading for a long time for him to be given a really good run of games because any young striker trying to build his confidence and standing at a football club needs a good run of games,” Murphy told talkSPORT.

“He’ll score goals, and he’s got to be a nightmare to play against.” Will he score 20 goals for you if he only plays for you? I believe he would, and I believe he will. I believe he is capable. He appears to be swift, good in the air, and massive.

“Look, Liverpool has a lot of attacking alternatives. When you play the top team, I’d play him down the middle with Diaz and Salah on the right and left. Gakpo, not so much. I also enjoy Gakpo.

“I always think of it this way: if you’re a centre-half for Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, or Arsenal and you see the Liverpool teamsheet and Gakpo or Nunez is playing, who worries you more?” Nunez.”

Murphy’s remarks follow Nunez’s admission that he was ‘mad’ about being benched. The Uruguayan striker is now on international duty and has spoken out about his stint as a substitute.

“Whenever I get a chance to play, I always try to give it my all.” “When it’s my turn on the bench, I go in angry, but in a good way, because I always want to prove myself,” the Liverpool star told Uruguay’s Sport 890.

“The hug with Klopp after the game shows how good the relationship is.” I’m overjoyed with my current situation. I always do the finest preparation for when it’s my turn.”

Nunez will look to impress Klopp in the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Colombia and Brazil. Liverpool return to Premier League action just a few days following their battle with the Selecao.

And Klopp’s team has a mouthwatering first game back against Everton in the Merseyside derby. Gakpo was hurt against Tottenham but is expected to return for the visit of Everton, giving Klopp with a decision to make on who starts up front.