Darwin Núñez’s frustration was palpable as he trudged off the pitch at the Montilivi Stadium on Tuesday night. The Liverpool striker’s face betrayed the disappointment of being substituted for Cody Gakpo, further fueling speculation about his future at Anfield.
The Uruguayan’s 71-minute contribution to Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Girona in the UEFA Champions League was another forgettable night in what has been a largely disappointing season for the former Benfica man. Signed for an initial £64 million, Núñez has struggled to consistently deliver the goods.
Against Girona, he managed just 16 touches (the fewest of any starter) and spurned two of Liverpool’s four big chances. One moment, in particular, encapsulated his current form: inexplicably heading a deflected Dominik Szoboszlai cross down instead of aiming for goal.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged Núñez’s missed opportunities but was reluctant to pin the blame solely on the striker. "I can agree that he missed some chances," Slot said. "Then the question always arises: ‘Does this have something to do with a lack of confidence or is it a situation he is in right now?’ I think every striker in the world has periods where every ball goes in, and sometimes there are periods where you try very hard but you don’t score."
With Diogo Jota nearing a return from injury, Núñez’s chances of cementing his place as Liverpool’s long-term number nine appear to be dwindling.
Since joining Liverpool, Núñez has been a polarizing figure, capable of both brilliance and blunders. His performances against Liverpool for Benfica in the 2021-22 Champions League, where he scored home and away, convinced Jürgen Klopp to sign him. However, he has struggled to replicate that form on a consistent basis at Anfield.
“Very good, very good,” Klopp said of Núñez after Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Benfica in April 2022. “I knew already, of course, but he played practically in front of me in his tough battles with Ibrahima Konaté. He was physically strong, quick, calm in his finishes. Good, very good. I always say in these situations that, being healthy, he has a big career ahead of him.”
With Núñez’s future at the club looking increasingly uncertain, the coming weeks will be crucial for the Uruguayan as he looks to turn his Liverpool career around.
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