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If Darwin Nunez wanted to deflect some of the heat that has been steadily building in recent weeks, his manager didn’t exactly help.
“Darwin will score his goals,” Arne Slot confidently predicted ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford. “He already did and he will again.” No pressure then, Darwin.
The meaning behind those words only the Liverpool boss will really know. Was it a motivational tool? A throwaway comment? Or just the sort of thing managers have to say when asked about under-fire players?
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Perhaps Slot even genuinely believes Nunez is about to embark on a fruitful run in front of goal. Of all the possibilities, that seems the least likely.
That’s not to disparage the 25-year-old, a player who has undoubted qualities, but nothing so far this season suggests Nunez has the capabilities needed to be a prolific goalscorer. Even his form in the latter stages of the Jurgen Klopp era underwhelmed, with no goals in his final 10 appearances under the German.
It’s what makes Slot’s bold assertion so risky. The Liverpool boss isn’t the sort to make emotive comments or generate media hype and, should Nunez fail to rediscover his form over the coming months, those quotes could quickly come back to haunt both manager and player.
Nunez’s name hasn’t been far from the headlines in the last 10 days. His errant finishing against Accrington Stanley drew more criticism, while Robbie Fowler claimed the Uruguayan ‘isn’t a Liverpool player’ and Jamie Carragher revealed Liverpool isn’t happy with the forward. Nunez has subsequently been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and even a wild claim from Spain that Manchester United is interested in the Liverpool star. Not that the Red Devils lack for misfiring forwards.
Nunez missed two big chances against Accrington Stanley. -Credit:2025 Liverpool FC
And yet for all Nunez’s lack of a clinical edge, there is something that makes the average punter route for him. He’s entertaining, that’s for sure, and a mesh of styles: bull in a china shop meets modest horse sketcher.
Despite his lack of goals, the former Benfica man is a constant handful for defenders – something Slot mentioned in his pre-match press conference. He’s powerful, technical and capable of the sublime – all the qualities needed to succeed as a top-level striker.
What’s lacking is the clinical edge and the composure in front of goal. Whether he can discover those qualities is the real question and the answer could determine if Slot’s prediction is proved correct and Nunez’s long-term Anfield future.
Saturday would be the perfect place to rediscover his goalscoring touch. Not least after his manager’s defiant support, but with Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz both doubts, Nunez could be thrust into a central role against Brentford.
Slot has backed Nunez – now he must justify those comments. -Credit:Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
That he has fallen behind both players in the pecking order, neither of whom are natural no.9s, and is facing additional pressure since the return from injury of 19-year-old Jayden Danns speaks volumes about his current plight.
There are few opponents Nunez would rather face in the Premier League than Brentford, though, given the Bees’ porous defence (joint-fifth worst in the division) coupled with its offensive style (fifth highest scorers in the league) tends to result in open, end-to-end games. That suits Nunez perfectly.
Timing is everything in football, and Nunez’s biggest competitors picking up knocks just days apart, following a week of speculation and his manager’s public backing just before a fixture against perhaps the ideal opponent. Now really is the chance for the 25-year-old to take control of his Liverpool destiny.
To Brentford then, Darwin, and another chance to prove your worth. There may not be many more chances left.