Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool has been a subject of debate since his record-breaking transfer two years ago. Some argue that he offers more than just goals, while others believe it’s time for him to leave. He joins a list of players at Liverpool who have divided opinion, such as Alberto Moreno, Andy Carroll, and Jordan Henderson. Despite a point to prove, Nunez’s contributions and future with the club are still uncertain.
In the 2023/24 season, Nunez started 33 games and came on as a substitute in 21 matches across all competitions. He scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists, showcasing his attacking prowess. However, his performance in the first game against Chelsea was lackluster, and he struggled to make an impact. Liverpool’s season was plagued by missed opportunities, and Nunez’s role in the team became a topic of discussion once again.
But Nunez had a moment of redemption when he came off the bench against Bournemouth and scored a crucial goal to level the score. He followed it up with another goal deep into added time, securing a match-winning performance. These goals displayed his strength, desire, and accuracy, qualities expected from a center-forward. However, his form dipped in the following league games, with only three goals in the next 15 matches. In Europe, he performed slightly better but failed to make a significant impact.
As the year came to an end, doubts persisted about Nunez’s ability to handle the weight of expectations and propel Liverpool to success. However, at the start of 2024, he sought to silence his critics with two well-taken goals against Bournemouth and three goals in three games. Liverpool was in a title fight, but their chances dwindled after a defeat to Everton in the Merseyside Derby.
During that game, Nunez displayed poor decision-making, accuracy, and frustration, leading many to question his suitability for the club. His season statistics revealed a 63% shot accuracy, but he scored only 11 goals from 108 shots, with 83 of them coming from inside the box. He missed 27 big chances, second only to Erling Haaland, who managed to convert 27 chances into goals. Nunez finished the season as the 19th top scorer in the Premier League, falling short of expectations for a club’s most expensive striker.
Under Klopp’s management, Nunez was often third choice, and it seemed likely that he would leave if Klopp had stayed at Anfield. However, new head coach Arne Slot sees Nunez as critical to his plans. This may have bought Nunez another year to prove himself, but the pressure will be on from the start. Can Slot unlock Nunez’s potential and revive his form from the 2021/22 season? That season saw Nunez excel with 26 goals and four assists in 28 Liga Portugal matches, the kind of return expected from a Liverpool forward.
Liverpool’s new hierarchy, represented by Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, will closely monitor Nunez’s performance. His recent hat-trick for Uruguay may have given them hope for his future at the club. If Nunez can maintain his form, Liverpool could potentially sell him for a decent fee and reinvest in other areas of the team. However, a poor start to the season could spell the end for the £85 million signing.
Looking back, Nunez’s best moment was his match-winning brace against Newcastle, showcasing the type of performance Liverpool fans hope to see consistently. On the other hand, his worst moment was his poor finishing in the game against Everton. In the upcoming season, Nunez’s role will depend on Slot’s plans. If he fails to impress, a departure from Liverpool may be imminent.