Advertisement

Ex-Liverpool star sends clear Darwin Nunez transfer message - 'Don't know if I'm missing something'

Darwin Nunez has faced criticism this season
-Credit: (Image: 2024 Liverpool FC)


Former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has defended forward Darwin Nunez, saying he doesn't understand why there are so many question marks surrounding the Uruguay international.

Nunez moved to Anfield from Benfica in 2022 and was initially compared with Manchester City's new signing Erling Haaland, but while the latter has proved himself to be the best striker in the world under Pep Guardiola, Nunez has struggled for consistency in front of goal.

Liverpool's fans have been largely patient with Nunez, but he has fielded plenty of criticism at the beginning of this season, and after the win over AC Milan last week he switched his Instagram profile to private in an apparent move to block out negativity from some online supporters.

A few days later, Nunez scored his first goal of the season as Liverpool breezed past Bournemouth at Anfield, and ex-Reds right-back Johnson believes Nunez could still go on to realise his lofty potential at Anfield.

"Yes I do [think Nunez can have success in the long run at Liverpool]," Johnson told Betfred. "I don’t know who Liverpool could realistically sign that’s better than him. I don’t know if I’m missing something, but I can’t understand why they’re are so many question marks surrounding him.

"He’s not a goal machine, but he’s a threat every time he plays and he’s a pain in the backside for defenders. I can see him being a success at the club in the long-term."

Since joining Liverpool, Nunez has made 101 appearances, scoring 34 goals and registering 17 assists. New boss Arne Slot preferred Diogo Jota to Nunez in the first few games of the campaign, but Nunez's strike against Bournemouth could see him handed a run of games as the Reds' starting striker.