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Darwin Nunez aims subtle dig at Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach makes squad decision

Darwin Nunez has joked about his time on the bench after Arne Slot commented on rotation.
-Credit: (Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC)


Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez comedically brought up his lack of involvement this season when discovering his rating on the new EAFC 25 video game.

Nunez, 25, has been awarded a rating of 82 on the new soccer game, with the ranking system being capped at 99. Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe is the joint-highest-rated player in the game (91), handing Nunez a more than respectable assessment.

The ratings are based on player performances from last season, but Nunez appeared unfamiliar with the process when reacting to his new player item. Nunez discovered his rating alongside Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Alexis Mac Allister, and when seeing it couldn't help but reference the fact he's not featured regularly under new manager Arne Slot.

"Out of seven games, I've spent five on the bench," he pointed out. While his comment led to laughs from his Liverpool teammates, some fans have been left concerned that his reaction was a subtle dig at Slot's decisions.

"Poor guy he knows how badly the constant sitting on the bench affected him," one fan wrote on social media. "It's hard to see players put in the effort and not get the game time they deserve. Hopefully, he gets more opportunities soon!" Another added.

Nunez remains Liverpool's record signing after he arrived from Benfica in a deal worth $85 million in June 2022. The Uruguayan has scored 33 goals in 96 games for Liverpool across all competitions and managed 11 Premier League goals during Jurgen Klopp's final season as head coach.

Arne Slot opted to start Jota as his central striker at the start of the season but Nunez has since found himself in the team, although it's not personal according to the Liverpool coach. Slot believes that Jota is his best option, but has admitted that regular rotation is required to keep his players fit due to a busy European schedule.

"How do we keep Diogo fit? Rotate!" Slot said. "I think we are trying to manage his minutes in the best possible way, but we also try to prepare him in the week and the months of preseason to prepare them for so many games in the Premier League.

Slot then referenced Manchester City's blow after star midfielder Rodri was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, and added: "But sometimes there are small margins and you can be unlucky as well. If you saw what happened with Rodri, that is so, so unlucky for him. So it is about preparing in the best possible way but in the end you need a bit of luck as well.

"But the players can be as professional as possible, and live in the best way for their career and that is what they have done so far. And we as a staff prepare them to get them through without injuries."