Arne Slot says Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is back to "normal" again after recently criticizing the Uruguayan for his lack of impact in games against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Liverpool head coach demanded more from the 25-year-old, who has scored just four goals in the Premier League all season, after he came off the bench in those two fixtures. He missed a big chance at Villa Park and then seemed distracted, while it was also suggested he didn't work hard enough off the ball.

Now, though, Slot believes Nunez has responded well. At the Parc des Princes in midweek, the forward set up Harvey Elliott’s dramatic late winner against PSG after an Alisson Becker goalkeeping masterclass.

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"I think he was just back to being the normal Darwin and the player he was for seven or eight months," Slot said. "I think once or twice — for the games I mentioned — he was exceptional and for the other games, he’s so loved by the fans because he’s always given everything since he’s been here.

"That’s what he’s always done. That’s what he did against Paris Saint-Germain and that’s what he did in the last week as well. He had one or two games that were not perfect, and that also had to do with him missing that chance against Villa. But sometimes these things happen and now he’s back to being the normal Darwin."

With Cody Gakpo likely to be absent through a minor injury, Nunez could be called upon for a rare start against Southampton this weekend. But if Slot does make changes to his starting XI, the Dutchman is insistent that he won't be taking the game lightly ahead of a big week for his side.

"For me, the game against Southampton is by far the most important," Slot continued. "If I make the choice to play other players that’s because I think it’s the best way to win the game and not because I want to rest them for the game against Paris St Germain."

Liverpool hosts PSG in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday. It then travels to Wembley to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

"I have to convince my players that we play three finals, but I’m hoping that I can influence our fans," Slot explained. "I want them not to come to the stadium five minutes before the kick-off — I want the stadium completely filled half an hour before kick-off so these players get the reward for what they did in Paris."

Liverpool.com says: Nunez could definitely still have a role to play in the rest of this season. If he starts or comes off the bench, he can be a threat at times, as he showed against PSG. It would be unwise to bet against him having one or two more big moments before the campaign comes to a close, even if he won't be relied on in every single game.