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Darwin Nunez savaged in Liverpool display as striker still struggling under Arne Slot

tom blow
·2-min read
Darwin Nunez struggled again on Tuesday
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Ex-Reds defender Stephen Warnock was critical of Darwin Nunez during Liverpool's 1-0 win at Girona on Tuesday.

Arne Slot's side got the Champions League win in Spain thanks to Mohamed Salah's second-half penalty. Nunez, was handed a start and an opportunity to shine against Girona, but the 25-year-old striker failed to make an impression.

Nunez scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists last season under Jurgen Klopp, but he's struggled to replicate that form under Arne Slot since the latter's arrival during the summer. Nunez has just three goals and two assists to his name this term.

Ex-Premier League star Warnock, who started his career with Liverpool, covered Tuesday's game for BBC Radio 5 Live and wasn't happy with Nunez's performance. "Liverpool are struggling in attacking areas because Darwin Nunez doesn't want to be involved until the ball enters the penalty area," said Warnock just before halftime. "That's not the way Liverpool want to play football.”

During the break, Warnock added: "Liverpool look very narrow, which suits Girona. All of the play is in the center of the pitch and we haven't had that may of those overlaps that we have become accustomed with seeing Liverpool in previous games. I can see a change coming at halftime. I can't see Nunez staying on the pitch."

Warnock went on to say during the interval: "Very interesting game. Girona started to create opportunities themselves and Alisson was called into action with some smart saves. Liverpool has had opportunities and Darwin Nunez had a couple that he probably should have taken. Liverpool should probably be ahead."

And Warnock's criticism didn't stop there. At the beginning of the second half, he said: "I've ran out of things to say about him. I do like Darwin Nunez but when it goes into him the ball just comes back."

Nunez was eventually subbed in the 71st minute. Warnock after that decision: "No surprise. Darwin Nunez looks very frustrated as he is going off but he can have no complaints. He hasn't been at his best tonight and his linkup play he has struggled with. Another frustrating evening for a big Liverpool player."