Darwin Nunez scored both goals against Brentford in the away match of round 22 of the Premier League. The Uruguayan striker's goals both came in the second half's injury time, so the emotions for Liverpool fans were truly explosive.
Liverpool's most expensive signing in history did not start this match like many times before. Nunez came on in the second half to replace Luis Diaz, who had not scored in the Premier League since November 2024. The last time Nunez scored a brace was in April 2024 and no one thought he could be the hero to help Arne Slot's team leave with 3 points.
If Liverpool wanted Nunez to be a mainstay, always starting and shining, perhaps that would never happen. However, when coming off the bench, the 25-year-old star always knows how to make an impression. Since arriving at Anfield in the summer of 2022, Nunez has been involved in the most goals when coming on as a substitute (a total of 11, including 7 goals and 4 assists). Not only that, 8/24 of Nunez's goals for The Kop have come in the last 15 minutes of the match.
"Nunez always brings a lot of strength and energy. In most of Liverpool's matches this season, especially in the last 30 minutes, we completely control and dominate the opponent's 1/3 of the field. That's the space where Nunez is at his best. It's great!" - Arne Slot shared.
From the end of Jurgen Klopp's reign until the successor period of Arne Slot, Darwin Nunez has remained an unsolved problem. There has not been any formation or playing style that has been considered suitable for the former Benfica star. He cannot become an excellent "number 9" like Roberto Firmino but he also does not have enough skills to play "number 10".
Nunez embodies every emotion in every match. Before his brace to sink Brentford away, the Uruguayan continued to show his clumsiness by heading the ball incorrectly in a close-range aerial challenge, then again sending the ball over the bar from a good distance.
However, Nunez never complained and continued to play with the most burning energy until the last minute. His double against the "Beets" and bringing 3 points to Liverpool was the reward for his perseverance until the end.
"I always thought Nunez had a good season. He worked very hard, not only scoring goals, but also creating goals. Nunez had to compete with a lot of good players at Anfield, which is also why he didn't start often.
However, I am very satisfied with this performance, not simply because he scored 2 goals. Many other performances have left an impression on me" - Arne Slot shared.
There have been rumours that Nunez will join the Saudi Pro League in January, but with this performance, the 25-year-old striker will not be leaving Anfield in a hurry. Next summer, when Slot begins its first personnel purge, Nunez's future will be clearer. In the meantime, Liverpool fans can continue to enjoy the victory and the dedication of Nunez.
