Is Darwin Nunez destined to remain a “raw” player, or does he have the potential to become a top player for Liverpool? This is a question that has been on the minds of many football fans, including former Liverpool striker Michael Owen.
Nunez had an impressive second season at Liverpool, scoring 33 goals and providing 17 assists in 96 games for the club. However, his consistency in front of goal has been a cause for concern, leading to him losing his place in the team towards the end of the season.
There has always been a belief that Nunez has the potential to become a world-class striker, but as he approaches his 25th birthday, Owen is starting to doubt whether he will ever reach that level. In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Owen expressed his skepticism, stating that if Nunez continues as he is now, people will have to accept that this is his true potential.
Owen did acknowledge Nunez’s talent and the attributes that make him a valuable player for Liverpool. However, he also admitted that a few years ago, he had high hopes for Nunez and believed he could become anything. Now, Owen is starting to think that what we see from Nunez is what we will get.
Looking at the statistics, it’s clear that Nunez’s goal-scoring record is not as impressive as Owen’s was during his time at Liverpool. Owen had a goals-per-game ratio of 1.9, while Nunez currently averages a goal every 2.9 games, closer to Peter Crouch’s record of 3.2.
One factor that may play a role in Nunez’s development is the arrival of Arne Slot as the new manager. It is hoped that Slot’s presence in the dugout will help Nunez progress and become a more consistent player. However, his decision-making on the field has been a weak point, and there are concerns that he has not improved in this aspect despite two years under Jurgen Klopp.
As the new season approaches, it seems that it could be a crucial one for Nunez. Will he be able to overcome his inconsistencies and fulfill his potential, or will he continue to struggle? Only time will tell.