Liverpool have another problem to solve after worrying data highlights what only Darwin Nunez is capable of fixing.
In the end, it was Liverpool’s porous defence which cost them once again against Crystal Palace. Just like Atalanta had found midweek, or Manchester United the weekend prior, Palace were able to expose Liverpool’s defence time and time again.
Despite playing at Anfield, Liverpool’s defence were open and vulnerable. Palace found pockets of space to run into and cause problems to Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Worryingly, this now means Liverpool haven’t won a game in three games in a row now. In that time, they’ve also conceded six goals and have scored just twice.
The latter also highlights another problem for the Reds. A problem that Darwin Nunez may be the only man to solve at the moment.
Why Darwin Nunez is the only one who can solve Liverpool’s problems
When Nunez arrived at Liverpool, he arrived with high hopes and a lot of promise. The Uruguayan had tormented Liverpool’s defence while playing for Benfica in the Champions League the season prior.
But Nunez is yet to really get going at Liverpool. He’s been fairly inefficient in front of goal as well.
In total Nunez has scored just 33 goals in his two Liverpool seasons so far. Overall, it’s not a bad return but it isn’t quite what Liverpool need if they want to contend for the Premier League title. The Reds need much more.
Frustratingly, as it was highlighted against Palace as well, Nunez (although he wasn’t the only one) was just not quite ruthless in front of goal.
After the game, Simon Brundish of the Anfield Index Under Pressure Podcast, released an interesting graph which highlights the stark reality of Nunez’s situation at Liverpool.
The Uruguayan has missed a staggering 32 of his 39 big chances for Liverpool this season. That’s just 9 more than the rest of his Liverpool teammates combined (41). It’s also a conversion rate of just under 18%.
What Darwin Nunez needs to do better and how he can solve Liverpool’s problems
Now we are not looking for a 100% conversion rate here from Darwin Nunez. Footballers are humans and prone to errors.
Even the best players do not convert all their big chances. However, under 18% is a really poor showing from the forward.
He should be aiming for at least around 40-50% and if he was performing to that level, there is no question Liverpool could still be favourites for the Premier League title race.
It is in him to do that. At Benfica, he was able to hit a prolific patch. Time is running out, though. But if anything can help turn Liverpool’s rut around, it’s Nunez finding his finishing touch.