Darwin Nunez, a player that fills you with both awe and disbelief. As Arne Slot plans his major Summer Rebuild, is it time for the striker to seek pastures new, or can he turn things around and ultimately fulfil his potential at Anfield?
Klopp’s vision
It was during a two-legged tie vs Benfica in 2022 when Darwin Nunez caught Liverpool’s attention. More specifically Jurgen Klopp, who had long known that Roberto Firmino’s time as Liverpool Number 9 was coming to an end.
During that time he scored both home and away, and a further 2 disallowed in the second leg at Anfield. A display of remarkable finishing, his wonderful deft flick over Alisson at the Anfield Road End seemed to epitomise him as a player.
What Klopp had seen was the future of his Liverpool front line. A young forward with height, pace and a composure beyond his years. In reality that was not exactly the case.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing
Forwards with 38 goal contributions in 41 games were in short supply and if Liverpool were to sign the then 22 year old they would have to pay what Benfica demanded.
£64 million paid up front up potentially rising to £85 million with add-ons, Darwin Nunez joined Liverpool with incredible expectation.
Darwin Nunez was now Liverpool’s record signing whilst only being 22 years of age.
This signing broke Liverpool’s traditional transfer model. To sign players in the £30-40 million bracket under the age of 24 with potential of rising to the top. Or in the case of Van Dijk and Alisson, established World Class talent warranting those record breaking fee’s.
Had he been signed for a lower fee, Darwin’s integration into the squad would’ve been more gradual. After eclipsing the fees paid for some of Liverpool’s greatest ever players, his impact would need to be immediate.
Pressure makes rubble
His first season fell below expectation. With only 9 Premier League goals and a series of comical misses, Darwin Nunez had created a narrative that would continue to haunt him to this day.
The story was now that Darwin Nunez was an expensive, unreliable problem. Offering little in terms of creating chances and general build up play like the man he was bought to replace, Roberto Firmino.
Gradual Adaptation
To his credit Darwin Nunez put the disappointment of his first season behind him. In his second season and Jurgen Klopp’s final he contributed 31 g/a in 54 games.
Liverpool Fans were now starting to believe the forward could reach the heights initially expected.
His pressing, ball control and overall play saw marked improvements. If he was to continue this trajectory he was on course to become one of Europe’s most prominent Forwards.
Unfortunately, on January 26th 2024 Jurgen Klopp had announced he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
The man who brought him to the club and stuck by the young Uruguayan despite his frustrating inconsistency was now set to leave.
Change in Management and Allegiance
Now, Arne Slot is at the helm. A new manager with a different style and most importantly, no sense of obligation to play the players bought under previous management.
When given his chances this season, Darwin Nunez has been simply underwhelming. Bar a few moments of late heroism such as his late double at Brentford, his contribution is not sufficient for a player wearing Liverpool’s infamous Number 9 shirt.
That’s where we return to the key issue of Darwin Nunez time at Liverpool. Expectation.
If Nunez was an academy graduate, fans would be thrilled with his contribution. If Liverpool were competing for Mid-Table honours like Man United, then fans would provide him with time to develop.
When the club is competing for the highest honours in Europe, patience has no place.
Saudi Interest and a season defining miss
Two bids arrived for Darwin Nunez in January, the latter being in the region of £62.4 million. Al-Hilal were rumoured to have been willing to offer the Forward an eye-watering £550,000 a week, an almost 5 times increase on his current deal.
Since January, the Uruguayan has only 1 goal in 12 appearances sparking debate over whether his head has been turned towards a Liverpool Exit.
Arne Slot’s public criticism after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw away at Villa Park aimed at the players on field work-rate yielded no results.
To cap off a disappointing run of form the striker was subbed on in Liverpool second leg tie against PSG. He stepped up to take Liverpool’s second penalty and missed. Liverpool subsequently plummeted out of this year Champions League.
A moment that in the minds of many Liverpool, fans confirmed their doubts.
Darwin Nunez is simply not good enough to be Liverpool’s main Number 9. The best players in the world thrive under pressure. Darwin Nunez seems to crumble each and every time. His spell at the club is nearing it’s end.
A Fond Farewell
Have Liverpool fans been harsh on Darwin Nunez, yes. Have they been justified in doing so, absolutely. He’s been given every chance to succeed at the club.
Perhaps a decision best for both parties. Many Liverpool fans will tell you, it would be no surprise to see Darwin Nunez roar into life at his next club. The man has all of the attributes needed to be a World Class Forward.
However, Liverpool are now moving into a new era. Arne Slot has shown that he deserves backing. To recuperate money on Nunez and to invest into a Striker fitted to Slot’s system would be a wise decision.
It’s time the club invests into the future, and leaves behind the visions of the past.
