The story was clear when Darwin Nunes scored twice in the second half to lead 10-man Liverpool to victory over Newcastle in August.
It would certainly be the long-awaited start to a potential club-record string of signings for United, who have endured a difficult first season at Anfield.
However, Núñez scored just one goal in the next seven games for the club. That meant fans saw his superb strike, the third and perhaps the best of his Liverpool career, against Bournemouth in October as a real spark. But instead, the false dawns continue. Nunez’s clean sheet against Manchester United on Sunday marked his 10th winless streak and was four games longer than his worst drought last season.
We wondered at the start of November if his confidence would return after missing the 1-1 draw with Luton at the end of the season, and sadly that proved to be the case. Some of the biggest signings in Liverpool’s recent history have been met with the same patience from Reds fans. Núñez seems to have captured the hearts of Anfield fans as a striker who plays with such incredible emotion in his immaturity as a character in a good movie. But it wasn’t just blind faith.
Nunez’s outstanding underlying numbers – top shot volume and xG – have sparked optimism and led many to predict an explosive second season at Benfica.“In the beginning he was aggressive in the wrong way, but now he is aggressive in the right way. “I’m very happy with what I’ve seen now and the rest will come. We’re completely calm,” Klopp said in a recent Amazon Prime interview. “Could he have scored more goals?” Sure. Could he have more cases? I don’t think so. He has every moment.
Now we have to put the finishing touches on it. Klopp’s point is clear, but the problem is that they have had to work with him almost since he arrived. We are stuck in an endless loop. But the truth is this is a 24-year-old who cost Liverpool $109m (£85m/€100m) including add-ons and has a season and a year left to live on to his performance against Burnley on Boxing Day. Half of the Premier League.Had he played for the opposing team, Reds fans would have questioned it. In addition to maintaining its goals, any change in its consistency would be welcomed by all parties. “It would be unfair to judge a player only by his goals. “It’s always about the team,” Pep Lijnders said at today’s press conference.
It’s true. But the rest of his recent play hasn’t been great either. The way he defends and rebounds for the team will help us a lot. Linders said. “He is having a much better season than last season. He became our striker. He is learning and I love him so much. It is full of fire.This is partly an obvious statement, but Nunes needs to start the game. Because his share price is falling now, when he has to make his next move.
Sadio Mane is the only high-profile striker signed by Klopp and he was sold during his time there, but only because he asked to leave.To be clear, it’s not yet the point where Liverpool are considering sacking Nunes, but for him if he doesn’t find some consistency and, more importantly, get to the point where every goal doesn’t feel like a big goal.
His confidence was followed by increased calls for the club to consider spending cuts. United need a centre-forward who can develop long-term and 18 months into his Anfield career, Nunez has yet to clearly prove he can be that man.
