Time is running out for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez to turn his career around at Anfield.
Back in 2022, the Reds forked out a whopping $109m (£85m/€100m) for Nunez to bring the Uruguayan in from Benfica, in a move that was seen as a counter to Manchester City's signing of Erling Haaland. However, City's signing has proved to be much more successful than Liverpool's.
On Tuesday, Nunez produced another frustrating outing against Girona, getting in the right positions but fluffing his lines - something which has become all too familiar a sight. On his day, the 25-year-old is unplayable, as evidenced by his performance away at Newcastle last season.
With Diogo Jota sidelined since October, Nunez had an opportunity to become Liverpool's leading striker. But, in the last 10 games, Nunez has scored just once, managing just three goals in all competitions too this term.
So with Nunez floundering in front of goal at the moment, and with Jota seemingly unable to stay fit for an entire season, Liverpool could do worse than look to give some minutes to forward Jayden Danns, who had been set to join Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle in the summer until he got injured.
Jayden Danns scores from the penalty spot for Liverpool U19s against Girona
Jayden Danns scores from the penalty spot for Liverpool U19s against Girona (Image: Getty Images)
Danns, who scored against Girona's under-19's in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday, impressed Jurgen Klopp during his final season at Anfield, with the German handing him his senior debut last term, which included an appearance in the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea, and saw him net his first senior goals against Southampton in the FA Cup.
The 18-year-old striker is an England under-18 international and while Slot may have reservations about his ability to contribute at senior level, right now with Nunez's poor form, it is something the Dutchman could consider.
Speaking earlier this year about Danns following his performance against Southampton, Klopp said: "[He's an] exceptional talent. Of course, it is not natural that a boy 18, is as calm as you like. The second goal calm as you like."
Liverpool.com says: Nunez's form should be a concern to Liverpool, who have to be wondering whether or not to give up on the 25-year-old in the summer. The Uruguayan has all the athletic traits to be a world-class forward, but his inconsistent finishing and poor composure seemingly let him down time after time.
The Reds could do much worse than give Danns some minutes in the first team, but doing so might totally destroy Nunez's confidence, something which Slot may factor in given he may have to rely upon the striker during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.