‘Make-or-Break’ – Journalist Suggests Time Could be Running Out for This Liverpool Star | OneFootball

Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool Future: Time Running Out?

Darwin Núñez’s time at Liverpool has been filled with flashes of potential, but questions about his consistency and adaptability are becoming louder. His recent performance against Bologna highlighted ongoing issues that could affect his long-term future at Anfield. In David Lynch’s article on his Substack, he offered a sobering assessment of Núñez’s journey so far, suggesting that this season is pivotal for the Uruguayan striker. Lynch’s detailed analysis provides a strong basis for examining where Núñez stands in his third season at Liverpool.

Struggling to Adapt

Since Arne Slot’s arrival as manager in May 2024, Liverpool’s style of play has shifted. Under Jürgen Klopp, Núñez thrived in a chaotic system, benefitting from a high-pressing, instinctive game. Lynch notes that the striker’s “penchant for playing on instinct” fit well with Klopp’s aggressive footballing philosophy. This saw him consistently produce high shot numbers, with shots per 90 of 4.71 and 4.47 in the past two seasons. However, under Slot, a more controlled style has highlighted Núñez’s weaknesses, rather than amplifying his strengths.

Photo: IMAGO

Lynch rightly points out that Núñez seems uncomfortable in Slot’s more structured approach, where individual battles on the pitch are key. Against Bologna, Núñez was far from the dominant striker Liverpool needed. He won only two out of seven duels and completed just four out of 12 passes. In a game where the team desperately needed a target man to bypass Bologna’s man-to-man press, Núñez’s inability to hold up the ball or bring others into play proved costly.

This regression in his play is worrying, especially when you consider that improving Núñez was one of Slot’s early priorities. As Lynch puts it, “it could even be argued that Nunez has regressed,” with the new tactical system exposing his frailties. Núñez’s once-promising shots-per-90 metric has also fallen to 2.71 this season, further reinforcing the idea that the striker may not be well-suited to the more controlled, deliberate brand of football Slot is trying to implement.

Persistent Issues

Núñez’s shortcomings are not new, and his struggles are not limited to tactical adjustments. His inconsistency in finishing, tendency to get caught offside, and carelessness in possession have been long-standing issues. Against Bologna, Lynch observed that these same problems resurfaced, leaving fans and pundits alike frustrated. Despite the talent he undoubtedly possesses, Núñez has failed to iron out the flaws in his game that prevent him from becoming a more complete striker.

Photo: IMAGO

One of the most alarming statistics highlighted in the original article was Núñez’s pass completion rate. Out of 12 attempted passes, he managed to complete only four, a damning figure for any forward tasked with linking up play in a more structured system. As Lynch summarises, “Nunez was nowhere to be seen,” a statement that perfectly encapsulates the disappointment of his performance against Bologna.

Yet, despite these shortcomings, Núñez still retains the backing of the Anfield crowd. As Lynch points out, “the Anfield crowd… continued to chant his name regularly,” a testament to the loyalty and hope that Liverpool fans still hold for the forward. However, that patience will not last forever, especially with Diogo Jota ready to shoulder more of the centre-forward duties if Núñez’s performances do not improve.

Time for Change?

Slot is likely to persist with Núñez in the coming months, but the clock is ticking for the striker to show that he can adapt. Lynch correctly highlights that this season could be a “make-or-break” campaign for the Uruguayan, with his future at the club hanging in the balance. After two and a half years at Anfield, Núñez cannot continue to rely on goodwill alone; results on the pitch must follow.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool supporters, the frustrations surrounding Núñez are palpable. Watching a talented player struggle to find his feet in a new tactical system is painful, particularly given the significant investment the club made in him. There is no doubt that Núñez has the physical attributes and raw talent to succeed, but time is no longer on his side.

Under Klopp, Núñez had the freedom to thrive in a high-pressing, instinctive system. Slot’s arrival has brought a more measured approach, and while this has benefited other players, Núñez appears lost. The drop in his shots-per-90 stat suggests that even his once-reliable instinct for goal is fading. Fans are left wondering if Núñez’s style is simply incompatible with what Slot demands from his centre-forward.

However, the chants of support from the Anfield faithful show that there is still hope. Núñez’s passion and work rate cannot be questioned, and there remains the possibility that he can adapt to Slot’s system. But Liverpool is a club built on success, and time is running out for Núñez to prove he can be a key part of its future. If the next few months don’t show a marked improvement, we could be seeing the final chapter of his Liverpool career.