Liverpool’s investment in Darwin Núñez back in 2022 came with high expectations.
The £64 million signing from Benfica brought hope of securing the future of the Reds’ attack. But two and a half years later, doubts are mounting about whether the Uruguayan striker truly fits into Liverpool’s plans. Club legend Robbie Fowler has now delivered a brutally honest verdict, casting a shadow over Núñez’s Anfield career.
The frustration among fans and pundits alike reached new heights after Núñez’s performance in the FA Cup third round against League Two side Accrington Stanley. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, the 24-year-old failed to find the back of the net. For Fowler, who remains one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever goal-scorers, patience with Núñez may be wearing thin.
Fowler’s Unforgiving Critique
Speaking to ITV Sport, Fowler didn’t hold back. “We’re saying the same things now that we were saying two or three years ago,” he remarked. “He’s raw, he’s this, he’s that, and we can’t keep saying that.” Fowler’s criticism cuts deep, especially considering the high standards set for strikers at Liverpool.
The Reds’ former No. 9 highlighted that hard work alone isn’t enough. “You’re not signing a player because he works hard; that should be a prerequisite anyway. You’ve got to come in, you’ve got to score goals,” Fowler emphasized. His remarks underscore the growing concern that Núñez hasn’t delivered the consistency required at this level.
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Struggling to Live Up to His Benfica Days
Núñez’s record for Liverpool pales in comparison to his prolific final season at Benfica, where he netted 34 goals in just 41 appearances. In contrast, his current tally of 37 goals in 122 games for Liverpool paints a picture of inconsistency. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the inability to string together strong performances remains a glaring issue.
Fowler pointed to Núñez’s struggles in key moments. “I don’t think he’s quick enough in terms of how he should be finishing,” Fowler noted. While Núñez’s pace over the ground is undeniable, his decision-making in front of goal often leaves much to be desired. Fowler added, “When he has time to think about it, he sort of struggles instinctively.”
Núñez’s Flaws in the Spotlight
The concept of “speed of thought” is central to Fowler’s critique. Being a great striker isn’t just about physical attributes but also about reacting quickly and finishing clinically. Fowler explained, “Any part of his body—feet or head—it’s got to improve.” These weaknesses have kept Núñez from evolving into the reliable goal-scorer Liverpool hoped for when they brought him to Anfield.
Can Liverpool Afford More Patience?
The clock is ticking for Núñez. While Liverpool’s current contract keeps him tied to the club until 2028, questions persist about whether manager Jürgen Klopp can afford to wait for him to find his stride. Interest from AC Milan earlier this season hinted at potential suitors, but Liverpool chose to hold on.
Yet, the January transfer window looms, and the Reds might look to bolster their attacking options. Reports suggest Liverpool’s attention has turned towards versatile wingers rather than traditional strikers, further signaling a lack of faith in Núñez as the long-term answer.
Context Matters, But Expectations Are High
It’s important to acknowledge the context of Núñez’s struggles. Liverpool have undergone significant transitions in recent years, with players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk shouldering much of the responsibility during this period of rebuilding. However, the standards at Anfield leave little room for prolonged adaptation periods, especially for marquee signings.
The Role of Slot
Arne Slot has been known for his ability to develop players and instill confidence. The question now is whether Slot sees Núñez as a project worth pursuing or a misstep in Liverpool’s recruitment strategy. If Núñez can’t meet the demands of Liverpool’s high-intensity system, the Reds may be forced to consider alternatives sooner rather than later.
What’s Next for Núñez?
Liverpool’s decision to stick or twist with Núñez will undoubtedly have significant implications for the club’s future. With Fowler’s comments adding to the scrutiny, Núñez must rise to the challenge or risk being overshadowed by new arrivals.
The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Darwin Núñez is running out of time to prove he belongs in Liverpool red.