It has been a really difficult few months for Darwin Nunez at Liverpool.
Having enjoyed a productive season for the most part, Nunez’s form nose-dived towards the end of the campaign.
The Uruguayan failed to find the net for Liverpool in each of his final ten matches. Going back further, Nunez only scored once in his last 13 games. For a No.9 who cost Liverpool a princely sum, that isn’t good enough.
Despite that, suggestions that Nunez could be sold have been squashed early doors this summer. It looks like the 24-year-old is staying put at Anfield.
With Arne Slot reportedly counting on Nunez to be a crucial part of his team, it’s a big season for Darwin.
Michael Owen outlines Darwin Nunez expectation
One man who knows what it takes to find the net for Liverpool is Michael Owen. The academy graduate scored 158 goals in 297 games for the Reds.
Owen has always been a fan of Nunez, previously praising the Uruguay international’s ‘unbelievable’ potential.
However, speaking to the Liverpool ECHO about Nunez on Friday, the 44-year-old admitted that he’s no longer sure that the striker will live up to that billing.
“People are really hopeful that he could turn into a top player because obviously, they see some attributes that are phenomenal and hard to teach,” Owen begins.
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“But I think if he continues like he is now, I think people will probably just accept that that’s what he’s going to be forever,” he adds.
“When I first saw him, I thought, geez, he’s raw. I expected it obviously. I knew his age, but I expected that of a younger player. That he’s going to learn more about the game and the role and things like that.
“But with his age, you think to yourself, well, if he’s not learned it by now and I’ve been saying it for a couple of years now, but probably I’m starting to think that what you see is what you get now.
“A talented boy who’s got great attributes that will certainly have a big role to play for Liverpool. Two years ago, I thought this kid could be anything. I was so excited in a way to see what he could be. Now I’m starting to come around to thinking what we see is what we get.”
Robbie Fowler echoes Michael Owen comments
Another man who knows a thing or two about scoring goals for Liverpool is Robbie Fowler.
Fowler was even more prolific than Owen, bagging 183 goals in 369 games. One of the all-time Liverpool legends, the 49-year-old is well placed to share his view on any striker to play for the Reds.
And with Fowler also unsure about Nunez, things don’t look good for the former Benfica frontman.
That does not necessarily mean that he can’t play a big part under Slot. But it does feel as though Nunez will never quite live up to what we all thought he could be.
Turning 25 later this month, it still isn’t too late for Darwin to come good. However, if it doesn’t happen for him this season, an acceptance over his level will start to dawn.
Hopefully Nunez still has another gear or two to find.