However, it wasn’t just his goal against Bournemouth that caught his manager’s attention. Nunez carried out his defensive duties diligently, recording more tackles than any other player on the pitch, apart from teammate Alexis Mac Allister.

“Of course I play a striker because I like it when he scores goals – but it also helps when you don’t concede a goal,” added Slot, whose team are top of the table on goal difference, ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa. “Darwin was also involved in not conceding a goal.”

Before Saturday, Nunez had played just 74 minutes under Slot, but his overall excellent performance will increase his chances of playing more often in the coming weeks as Liverpool juggle Premier League, Carabao Cup and Champions League commitments.

Liverpool host West Ham at Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before travelling to Wolves for their next league game on Saturday.

They return to the Champions League on Wednesday 2 October with a home match against Bologna.

“I think consistency is achieved through two things,” Slot said when asked how the 25-year-old could establish himself as a more regular starter. “You achieve it through work ethic and you achieve it through team effort.”

“If the team’s performance is not consistent, it is very difficult for the individual to be consistent as well. We have to develop our habits day after day on the training ground.

“(Nunez) played a good game today. Maybe he can show it again on Wednesday.”