Darwin Nunez now facing Liverpool axe after what expert has seen – ‘it’s a problem’
Darwin Nunez is close to being dropped from the Liverpool starting XI after failing to score since the return of domestic football.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Uruguayan’s form.
As per the Premier League official website, no player has missed more big chances than Nunez this season (15), and he has registered the fifth-most offsides (11) of any top-flight player.
His struggles were on full display in Monday’s (2 January) loss against Brentford as he missed two big chances and saw a second-half strike disallowed for offside.
Nunez has scored nine goals in 22 appearances since joining the Merseysiders for a club-record fee in the summer window.
McManus fears Nunez could soon be dropped.
“He needs to start scoring but I tell you what, he can’t get much closer,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“He is doing everything right. His runs in behind are excellent though he needs to stay onside a bit more. He’s then inches away, he hits the post or it’s a great save.
“But that’s the difference, Haaland and Kane score those goals, that’s the difference with elite strikers. I said a few weeks ago that he just needs one goal and he still hasn’t scored.
“Now he really needs a goal because there comes a point where having him in the team becomes pointless if there is someone on the bench who can score.
“At some point, Klopp has to do what is best for the team and if Nunez isn’t scoring then he can’t be in there.
“It’s the same problem every striker faces and it is a problem now. I’ve been there myself.”
In other news, Virgil van Dijk could be out until March after what one pundit has seen at Liverpool.