Virgil van Dijk, a defender for Liverpool, has acknowledged that Darwin Nunez, a new high-profile acquisition, needs to learn self-control after being dismissed during Monday’s draw with Crystal Palace.
Nunez’s first two appearances for Liverpool were successful, with goals off the bench against Manchester City in the Community Shield and Fulham in the Premier League. However, Nunez’s first start for the Reds was a disaster, as he was sent off for a headbutt on Joachim Andersen early in the second half – three games are automatically forfeited for the violent behaviour.
After getting away with an earlier altercation in the penalty area, Liverpool’s club record £85 million signing, according to Andersen, who has been the target of disgusting online abuse, was dubbed “really stupid.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who also stated that he would speak with Nunez about avoiding future instances of such carelessness accepted the decision.
Additionally, Van Dijk echoed remarks that Nunez must draw lessons from the experience.
“Obviously, he was disappointed and also probably with himself. But it’s a learning curve, and obviously, we will always back him. He’s got the backing from us, and he knows it should not happen again, and hopefully, it will be that way,” Van Dijk explained.
“He has to control himself, definitely. I think that’s a separate thing, he has to manage himself, he has to know that these things can happen, especially in the Premier League. Like I say, it will be a learning curve for him and hopefully it will never happen again.
“I think with 10 men we played outstanding… but I think it should not happen.”
