Nunez has been linked to moves away from Liverpool - but some like the idea of keeping him around
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Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates
Darwin Nunez scored the vital equaliser for Liverpool against Southampton on Saturday afternoon
(Image: Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez has delighted and frustrated during his time at Liverpool, and some believe that the end is near after being touted for a summer transfer to allow the club to seek a more consistent goalscorer - but other fans in the ECHO comments section say that Nunez could be kept on as his contribution to the team stretches beyond goals.
It was Nunez who scored Liverpool's first goal on Saturday against Southampton, levelling the scores to prevent a Premier League upset, and giving a surging Mohamed Salah a platform to win the game. His drab first half was turned around seemingly in reaction to chants from the travelling fans comparing him to former player Andy Carroll, and he quickly silenced the taunts.
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Nunez has been in and out of Arne Slot's starting lineup this season, underperforming on his expected goals (xG) and missing notable chances - not that it has prevented Liverpool from gaining a comfortable lead at the top of the league. Slot has fielded questions about Nunez all year, and there should be no shortage of suitors should Liverpool decide to part ways with him. He is under contract until 2028.
Some fans say that there is value in keeping the bustling Uruguayan around after seeing his performance on Saturday. Reader Kensington62 says: “Nunez has been an important part of our squad this season. Yes he misses chances, but his energy is fantastic & he has scored some crucial goals.”
Commenter Kevlasvegas writes: “Knowing Nunez, he will end up popping in the most important goals we need this season. Cup final winner next Sunday, and if we get there, Champions League final winning goals. Truth is, life is never boring around Darwin, it is either positive or negative and always top notch drama. Hard to single him out, hardly ever injured compared to Jota, who has recurring injuries season after season and since he returned cannot hit a barn door.”
Yabrainsinyatoe agrees: “One thing you can say, when he plays the tempo is a lot better. Wish he would just score those easy chances. If we start defensively against PSG again we will get beat. Never seen us play like that ever, not one tackle, nothing.”
Boyoh says: “I think Nunez still has the potential to do better than this next season. What I like him for is that he hunts for balls, he has the speed, and he is willing to contribute to goals tally. It's just they are not coming his way, but with time I strongly believe he will get it right very soon.”
Some reckon that Nunez could adapt to find a new way of fitting into Slot's Liverpool. Eaglehu12 writes: “He is an enigma, we all want him to succeed, there is a player in there it is just taking a long time to come out. Saying that, most of his goals come when we need them the most, I am just not sure our style of play suits his style as a number 9. He does get slated for misses, but in reality he doesn't get many chances per game, even Haaland would struggle for goals in our setup.”
Liffan would be more radical: “Personally I think Nunez will make more sense if played as a winger more than a number 9. He is strong, can run, can chase players, can defend and he can assists as well. Nunez playing as a striker for me is like that wealthy person that invests all his wealth wrong and goes bankrupt. In a nutshell he is missing that final accurate touch.”
Others would push ahead with a plan to replace him, like ScouseIan: “I like Nunez but he's not a striker, all the shushing in the world won't change that. He's had 3 years. We need a striker.”
IrishRed says: “Nunez will never be a consistent top quality striker, it's as simple as that. He needs to be sold this summer along with the inconsistent Diaz, the injury prone Jota and the hugely disappointing Chiesa. Salah and Gakpo and three top quality forwards must be in place for our title defence, and the quest for the solo occupation of our perch.”
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Have your say! Would you keep Nunez in the summer? Would you want to see an experiment with him trying different positions and tactics? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.