Jurgen Klopp’s exit has given Darwin Nunez a crucial lifeline for Liverpool – Liverpool FC

Two years on from his record move to Anfield, Darwin Nunez is still sharing his opinion on the biggest question of all; “Is he good enough to be at Liverpool?”

There are two schools of thought on this, with no apparent middle ground. You’re either in the “Nunez delivers more than goals” camp, or you’re in the “get rid” team.

He joined a list of Liverpool players that included Alberto Moreno, Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson; love or loathe, criticize or yearn.

The striker’s review of the 2022/23 season ended with a thought for the campaign we have just witnessed; “He wouldn’t be first choice, leaving him with a point to prove”, but after 12 months has anything changed?

Once again Nunez showed what he can contribute to this Liverpool team, but at the same time raised questions about what will happen next – not the best statement to make two years in a row, but it’s one which remains as valid now as it was then.

The good, the bad and the bizarre

It was no real surprise to see Liverpool start the season away at Chelsea with a front three of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.

The Uruguayan was introduced after 66 minutes and contributed in the final moments of the game with two blocked shots from outside the box.

He offered little against a Chelsea side that was surprisingly fearsome – a 1-1 draw that, in hindsight, hinted at an opening day of Liverpool’s season-long problems, too many missed opportunities.

Jurgen Klopp decided to keep him on the bench for the next two games. Four minutes of action followed against Bournemouth, then seven days later at St James’ Park, with Liverpool trailing 1-0, Nunez was subbed off with 13 minutes remaining.

What followed was simply incredible. Accuracy and power from 15 yards to fire the ball past Nick Pope drew Liverpool level with nine minutes remaining.

Incredibly de Nunez then scored an almost identical goal deep into added time. The striker had come off the bench to deliver a winning performance. His first shot had an xG of 0.07, while his second came in at 0.36.

Criticism of his debut season seemed to be emphatically answered, he is what everyone wanted to see – power, desire and precision, everything a centre-forward should be.

Unfortunately, in the next 15 league games he only found the back of the net the next three times. In Europe he fared a little better, but it was the Europa League, a competition Liverpool were expected to win.

As 2023 drew to a close, the conversations surrounding the 24-year-old were exactly the same, could he be trusted to carry the weight of expectation, could Liverpool stay in the top flight until May?

In the new year

As 2024 began, Nunez once again sought to answer the critics. Two exceptionally well taken goals against Bournemouth were followed in quick succession by another three in three.

The Reds were top-flight and in contention for the title, but as March turned to April, Liverpool’s wheels came off and Darwin was one of the failed madmen who derailed a possible trophy haul.

A Merseyside Derby defeat to Everton ended Liverpool’s realistic chances of winning a final Premier League title under Klopp. Nunez on the show that night displayed all the characteristics that come with a player who is not suited to the club.

Snapshots, poor accuracy, terrible decision making – bad enough if you only have one, but having all three and not for the first time, was a step too far for many.

He looked and acted as frustrated as those watching his show.

His season statistics showed a 63% shot accuracy, he could find the target, but 11 goals from 108 shots, 83 inside the box, told its own story. When it came down to the business end, Nunez was found wanting.

A striker on fire makes all the difference. He who fails to differentiate only brings questions.

The Uruguayan missed 27 big chances, according to Opta, second only to Erling Haaland, who missed 34, although the Norwegian found the net 27 times in winning the Golden Boot.

Nunez finished the Premier League season 19th for the top scorers, his tally of 11 putting him in the company of attacking midfielders and traditional wings.

Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood got 14, while former Red Dominic Solanke hit 19.

Liverpool’s most expensive striker had failed to find the net consistently or convincingly. If that had been different, the only League Cup would have been surrounded by several other pieces of silverware.

The future

It was clear that Nunez was third choice under Klopp and had the charismatic German not left Anfield then the exit door could have been open this summer for the former Benfica man.

As it is, new head coach Arne Slot is said to view the No. 9 as “critical to his plans. This may have bought the striker another year to prove his worth, but the pressure will be on from the first whistle.

Can Slot get out of Nunez what Klopp couldn’t? Could Liverpool’s new era begin with the Uruguayan realizing his 2021/22 form?

It remains the only season in which he excelled, with 26 goals and four assists in 28 Portuguese League games. It’s the kind of return a striker needs at Liverpool and they’re expected to deliver.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes will be keeping a close eye on how Nunez has fared lately. The fox’s boxing-style hat-trick for Uruguay last week would have given Liverpool’s new hierarchy something to look forward to.

It could have come at the right time, as Nunez would still demand a decent fee in the European market, providing funds that could be used to support Liverpool in other areas.

One thing is for sure, August-November will set the stage for Liverpool and Nunez’s future together. A poor start to the season could signal a departure for the £85m signing.

Best moment: His winning brace at Newcastle should be the kind of thing we see week after week, as should the goal-scoring he witnessed against Bournemouth.

Worst moment: Too many missed big chances to pick, but you won’t find a worse example of clinical finishing than the one seen against Everton.

Role next season: Slot’s arrival should provide a final lifeline to Liverpool. If he fails to take it, then “adios” could be written in the Uruguayan’s Christmas greeting message.