In Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, Diogo Jota once again proved his worth with a single moment of brilliance. The Portuguese forward’s deft turn and cool finish in the final minutes saved the Reds from defeat and confirmed that he remains a reliable option as a centre-forward.
During Jota’s two-month injury absence, Darwin Nunez had the chance to prove himself. However, the Uruguayan striker failed to make the most of this period, lacking the stability the team needed. Jota’s goal against Fulham was a clear demonstration of the difference between the two players. If Nunez were put in a similar situation, it would be difficult to guarantee a similar result.
Jota’s return raises the question of whether coach Arne Slot should favour him as a number nine or continue to use Nunez in games against less pressing opposition. However, the story is not just about the goals, but also how the two players perform on the pitch.
Diogo Jota’s positioning is superior, the 28-year-old is known for his ability to find the back of the net in central areas where he is most likely to score – mostly within 12 metres of goal. Nunez, on the other hand, tends to shoot from a variety of positions, including unfavourable angles, which results in a lower efficiency.
Jota's expected goals (xG) is 0.19 per shot, significantly higher than Nunez's (0.13). Jota's efficiency is also reflected in his three goals from his last five shots, while Nunez still struggles to convert clear-cut chances.
Jota not only scores goals but also creates space to take advantage of opportunities. A typical example was against Crystal Palace in October, when he ran into the center of the box to meet Cody Gakpo's pass and score the winner. Nunez, on the other hand, lacks consistency. The Uruguayan striker has the ability to score incredible goals but often misses great opportunities.
Under Slot, wingers like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have played a key role in scoring goals, which has seen Nunez's shot count drop significantly, from 4.5 per game last season to 2.4 per game in the Premier League this season. Along with that, the former Benfica man's constant drifting away from goal to help out defensively has prevented him from making a big impact as a centre-forward.
However, Arne Slot has spoken out to defend Darwin Nunez against criticism, stressing that he judges a striker not only by the number of goals but also by his overall contribution to the team.
"If we only look at the number of goals, Nunez has not met expectations. However, he contributed positively in pressing, helping us win the ball back and create opportunities. I do not only evaluate Salah or Nunez by the goals but also by the attitude and work ethic, which both of them showed well" - Slot shared.
However, to be successful, Arne Slot needs a complete striker who can score goals and provide support both in and out of possession. This is the strength of Jota, who was once described by Pep Lijnders, former Liverpool assistant coach, as a "pressing monster". With his ability to press effectively and his sharpness in the penalty area, the Portuguese striker is always the first choice when the team needs to win.
Despite being overshadowed by Jota, Nunez has improved significantly under Slot, particularly in his pressing. He has made 15 tackles in the Premier League this season, winning 13 of them – more than he managed in the entirety of last season. However, the majority of these have come in the back of the park, with the Uruguayan often drifting away from the goal-scoring area, which is not ideal for a No. 9.
Nunez’s role in the squad will depend on the importance of each match. When Jota is fit and in form, Nunez may have to wait patiently for his chance. However, when given the chance, the 25-year-old striker must take full advantage to prove he is worthy of a starting position.
