Darwin Núñez’s career at Liverpool has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with flashes of brilliance often overshadowed by frustrating inconsistency. Since joining the club in the summer of 2022, the Uruguayan forward has been under constant scrutiny, with critics questioning whether he is truly an elite striker or merely a misfit in Liverpool’s attacking system.
The latest debate surrounding Núñez was reignited after his recent high-profile miss against Aston Villa, a moment that once again brought his finishing abilities into question. According to Opta, Núñez misses 0.99 ‘big chances’ per game—more than any other player in the Premier League, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who has a similar rate of 0.95 but compensates with 117 goals since joining City. In comparison, Darwin Núñez has managed only 39 goals in the same period. While Haaland shrugs off missed chances and scores the next, Núñez appears to let his failures affect his confidence, creating a cycle of inconsistency.
A Crisis of Confidence: The Mental Battle
Beyond his technical ability, one of the most significant criticisms of Darwin Núñez is his mentality. His tendency to dwell on missed chances has been a recurring issue, as seen in his recent social media activity. After missing a crucial opportunity against Aston Villa, Núñez took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration—but not before deleting two initial posts and settling on a message emphasizing resilience and determination.
This pattern of emotional responses raises concerns about his psychological strength. While his final post suggested a fighting spirit—”You’ll never see me give up. I’m going to give it my all until the last day I’m here in Liverpool”—the underlying uncertainty in his earlier messages reflects the internal struggle he faces. Unlike strikers who thrive under pressure, Núñez often seems burdened by it, leading to inconsistent performances.
Arne Slot’s Public Criticism: A Turning Point?
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, has so far maintained a balanced and supportive approach to his players. However, his recent comments on Darwin Núñez marked a shift in tone, signaling possible frustration with the striker’s mentality and work ethic. “You can miss a chance, but you cannot miss out on work rate,” Slot remarked, a clear indication that Núñez’s struggles are no longer just about finishing but also about his overall contribution to the team.
Slot’s public criticism is significant because it represents the first time he has directly called out a player since taking charge. While the Dutchman acknowledged that missing chances is part of a striker’s job, his emphasis on Núñez’s effort levels suggests a deeper concern. Is the Uruguayan giving his all in every game? Does he have the hunger required to succeed at the highest level? These are the questions Slot is now openly asking.
A Statistical Reality Check: Is Darwin Núñez Improving?
Despite his struggles, there have been signs that Darwin Núñez is evolving into a more complete striker. Slot has worked closely with him in recent months to improve his link-up play, pressing, and positioning. While his goal tally of six goals in 35 appearances this season—averaging a goal every 285 minutes—is underwhelming, he has shown glimpses of progress in other areas.
However, football is ultimately about goals, and for a player leading Liverpool’s attack, such a return is simply not good enough. Comparisons to Andy Carroll—a £35 million flop at Anfield—may be harsh, but they persist for a reason. Both players are physically imposing forwards who have struggled to justify their hefty price tags. The main difference? Núñez still has time to change the narrative.
What Next for Darwin Núñez? A Make-or-Break Season
With interest from Saudi Arabian clubs looming, Núñez finds himself at a crucial juncture in his Liverpool career. Will he prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as the elite striker he was expected to be, or will he continue to frustrate fans and management alike?
Slot’s recent comments suggest he is willing to back Núñez, but only if the striker responds with the right attitude. History has shown that Núñez can thrive when under criticism—his goal celebrations against Brentford last month, where he mocked opposition fans, demonstrated his ability to channel negativity into motivation. However, consistency remains the missing piece.
For now, the debate rages on. Is Darwin Núñez an elite striker in the making, or is he destined to be remembered as ‘just a s*** Andy Carroll’? The answer lies in his response to adversity—something he must address sooner rather than later
