“He Still has a Future” – Former Liverpool Forward on Darwin Nunez’s Recent Struggles | OneFootball

Former Liverpool Forward Shares his Thoughts on Darwin Nunez’s Future

This season has been a huge success for Liverpool so far, under the guidance of new head coach Arne Slot, with the Reds sitting top of both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League tables. However, that same success has also exposed some supposed weaknesses in the squad, with some players coming under serious scrutiny.

One of those players has, of course, been Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan has never really lived up to the £64m price tag since his move from SL Benfica back in the summer of 2022, but this season has seen patience wearing thin.

Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey spoke exclusively to Anfield Index and gave his thoughts on the forward’s future at Anfield as transfer speculation continues to rise…

Photo: IMAGO

Nunez ‘Has a Future’

“He still has a future at the club,” began Heskey, “But not as a starting number nine.” Nunez’s impact the season has often been limited to appearances from the bench, only being in the starting eleven in 37% of Liverpool’s Premier League games. Subsequently, the forward has only managed to notch just two goals and two assists in the first half of the league season.

In total, it’s just four goals and four assists across all competitions this season, which is nowhere near good enough to nail down that starting role, despite his best efforts. Not only has Diogo Jota solidified his position above Nunez in Slot’s plans, but even Luis Diaz is getting the nod ahead of both players at the moment, despite naturally being a left-winger.

Decision is in Nunez’s Hands

“He has got to have a real long think about it,” continued Heskey, “Does he want to be a starter or a finisher, who comes on and finishes games?” With three years still left on his current deal at the club, it’s a fascinating situation that Liverpool find themselves in.

Transfer rumours linking the Uruguayan to Saudi Arabia and even the likes of FC Barcelona and AC Milan are remaining persistent. Whilst time seems to be running out for the forward, it’s in his hands whether he stays and fights at Liverpool or looks for a starting spot elsewhere.

Photo: IMAGO

Looking Ahead

Heskey remains certain that Nunez still has a future at the club, and there’s no denying that he can still be a useful squad member for at least the remainder of this season as Liverpool continue their push for trophies on multiple fronts. Is he ever going to be the absolute bagsman that we expected to get back in 2022? It’s looking increasingly unlikely. However, there’s no doubt that the 25-year-old will continue to fight and that has never been lacking.

Nunez is suspended for Liverpool’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, but will return with an eye on upcoming FA Cup and UEFA Champions League clashes for minutes and a chance to get his Liverpool career back on track.