Darwin Nunez had a chance to show himself in the match between Liverpool and Girona in the 6th round of the Champions League qualifying round. Although he was in the starting lineup, the Uruguayan striker did not perform well and was replaced by coach Arne Slot.
Slot's pat on the shoulder for Nunez as the striker stepped off the touchline seemed to be a mere consolation, as there was no excuse for his poor form. The former Benfica striker has scored just once in his last 10 games in all competitions.
Mohamed Salah's goal helped Liverpool maintain their winning streak since the first round of the Champions League, thereby firmly holding the top spot. Perhaps because The Kop's performance is so good in both the Champions League and the Premier League, Nunez's decline in form has not been noticed.
According to Opta statistics, Liverpool had 4 good chances against Girona. Nunez had 2 of them but unfortunately missed them. Similar to the draw with Newcastle in the middle of last week, the 25-year-old striker's influence in the final third of the field is alarming. Against Girona, in 71 minutes on the field, Nunez touched the ball only 16 times, passed 4/8 accurately and won only 1/4 of the challenges.
"The only thing I agree with you is that Nunez missed a couple of good chances. I think every striker wants to put the ball in the net but there are times when you try and you can't get it. What Liverpool need is more players who can score goals. Luckily we have Mohamed Salah.
I want the same for Nunez. That's why I kept him and gave him a chance for a long time. Nunez is a real threat to every team's defense but it's a pity he hasn't been able to score yet" - Arne Slot told reporters after the win over Girona.
Although Slot said he still believed in Nunez, the reality on the field showed that the Dutch strategist did not want to take any more risks. Before Man City and Leverkusen, Slot used Luis Diaz as a striker even though the Colombian star's forte was playing on the wing.
Nunez is still loved by Liverpool fans for his energy and dedication on the pitch. However, if this disappointing streak continues, it is uncertain whether the 25-year-old striker can be supported for much longer. With Christmas and the winter transfer window approaching, Nunez is increasingly worried, especially when he carries the label of being the most expensive player in Liverpool's history.
Only 3 goals in the last 19 matches (11 of which were starts) is a performance so bad that Nunez could be kicked out of Anfield in January with a loan contract. Looking at his teammates in attack, Nunez cannot help but feel sad when the number of goals is so small.
Nunez should remember that Diogo Jota is currently training to return from injury and is expected to return in the next few weeks in good shape. After Roberto Firmino, Jota is considered Liverpool's most complete striker, with only the occasional injury. If Jota returns and is in good form this time, Nunez will certainly not have a place in the upcoming tourmalet to decide the season.
