Darwin Nunez speaks to the media after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Girona FC and Liverpool FC at Montilivi Stadium on December 10, 2024
When Diogo Jota limped off against Chelsea back in October, Darwin Nunez issued the perfect response. An encouraging display off the bench was followed up by scoring the winner against RB Leipzig and then setting up a crucial equaliser for Mohamed Salah away at Arsenal.
But in the ongoing absence of the Portuguese, he has failed to push on. Starting eight of Liverpool’s last 10 games in the Premier League and Champions League, he has only delivered one further goal.
Two of the Reds’ best showings during that run have arguably come without him starting, against Bayer Leverkusen and Man City. And with each passing outing the striker has looked more and more devoid of confidence.
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Nunez struggled badly last week in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle United, with only Storm Darragh sparing him from being benched against Everton off the back of such a display.
Retaining his place against Girona, he was arguably even more ineffectual when handed a reprieve. He missed two big chances, twice finding himself unable to beat Paulo Gazzaniga when one-on-one.
And later, was caught in two minds when left unmarked from Domink Szoboszlai’s deflected cross, instead miscuing a header into the turf rather than shooting on goal or knocking down to a team-mate.
He touched the ball just 16 times against the La Liga outfit - the fewest total from the two starting XIs by far - and completed only four of his eight attempted passes.
Completing no dribbles, creating no chances, winning no aerial battles and winning no tackles, it would be hard to make an argument for him to keep his place again against Fulham on Saturday. His finishing has always been erratic, but now his all-round impact is also dwindling.
The sight of Jota back in team training on Monday will up the pressure on Nunez further. Despite missing Liverpool’s last 11 matches, the Portuguese has still outscored the Uruguayan this season.
And with Federico Chiesa closing in on his own return, Luis Diaz will likely not be the only central alternative against the Cottagers.
The arrival of Arne Slot was hoped to help the inconsistent Nunez find his next level. Instead, he is treading water at best.
For now, he will soon surrender his starting berth. If he does not improve in the weeks and months ahead, the same feels inevitable for the frontman’s Liverpool future.
Salah steps up again
Not for the first time, Mohamed Salah stepped up to make the decisive difference for a Liverpool side not at their best.
The Egyptian’s second half penalty was the difference against Girona and left the Reds on the verge of clinching a place in the Champions League round of 16.
An emphatic spot-kick into the corner, the 32-year-old now has 16 goals and 12 assists from 22 appearances so far this season. No player in Europe’s top five leagues can better his return of 28 goal contributions. Peerless on the continent at the moment, he is producing Ballon d’Or form.
Like a fine wine, he is getting better with age. Desperate to agree a new contract with the Reds ahead of his contract deal expiring next summer, club bosses would be foolish to even risk a parting of ways ahead of the forward being free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs from January 1.
Salah has already said this season that he is targeting further silverware in both the Premier League and Champions League. On this form, having virtually sent his side through to the round-of-16, you would not bet against him delivering at least one. He is practically on a one-man mission, and sending a louder message to club bosses with each passing week.
Against Girona, it was not the first time that Salah stepped up to make a decisive difference for Liverpool. But with contract negotiations ongoing, Kopites will be desperate to see that it also won’t be the last.
Robbo’s not done yet
When Arne Slot name-dropped Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez at his pre-match press conference, sharing his admiration for the 23-year-old, you would have been forgiven for taking it as a transfer hint.
After all, it would be no surprise to see the Reds strengthen in that area in the not-too-distant future.
If ears were pricked at the mention of Gutierrez by Slot, his initial performance against Liverpool certainly caught the eye. Early on in particular, he was a constant threat down the left-flank - albeit from a wide midfield role rather than full-back.
But the Reds’ current first-choice holder of the left-back berth issued the perfect response as Andy Robertson delivered at both ends of the pitch.
Defensively playing his part to help keep a clean sheet, he was unfortunate not to score in the second half when denied by Gazzaniga.
Boasting more touches of the ball (115) than any other player on the field, his total of three key passes was the most in Liverpool’s ranks. Meanwhile, he completed 91 of his 98 attempted passes with only Virgil van Dijk recording a better return.
Named player of the match by UEFA, the Scot has now started the Reds’ last six matches in the absence of the injured Kostas Tsimikas. Belatedly granted the rhythm he had been starved of in the early months of the campaign, it has ultimately helped him rediscover top form.
Following a difficult showing against Arsenal back in October, the 30-year-old - who is out of contract in 2026 - conceded onlookers had written him off. But bouncing back after an injury-plagued year, it would appear tales of Robertson’s demise have been somewhat exaggerated.