'First thing he saw': Arne Slot was instantly amazed by 'fantastic' Liverpool player this summer - journalist
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Darwin Nunez is arguably the hardest player to judge in the current Liverpool squad as he continues to blow hot and cold under Arne Slot.
Signed by Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2022 after Sadio Mane left for Bayern Munich, the Uruguayan’s talent is unquestionable, but his raw ability simply hasn’t resulted in the required end product so far at Anfield.
Diogo Jota led the line for Slot before his injury, which has presented Nunez with a golden opportunity to impress the Dutchman.
However, if reports from the Netherlands are to be believed, the new Liverpool boss has always been excited by the prospect of working with the enigmatic striker.
Arne Slot’s first impression of Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez emerges
The 25-year-old has started each of Liverpool’s last two games in all competitions in Jota’s absence and scored in the 1-0 win against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League.
Slot praised Nunez’s work ethic after his assist for Salah in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
And now, a report from Voetbal Zone claims Slot was ‘charmed’ by the Uruguayan during his first few training sessions as Liverpool boss, being particularly impressed with his ability to run and work tirelessly for the team.
In the same report, journalist Marcel Van der Kraan adds value to his earlier claims about Slot and Nunez, hailing the latter’s role in Salah’s equaliser against Arsenal.
He said: “You saw that Nunez laid a fantastic ball for Salah. Those two attackers that Slot has been so busy with in the summer ensure that he draws [against Arsenal].”
Van der Kraan also claimed Salah was surprised by Slot’s demands in pre-season, with the new manager standing firm on the fact that his attackers need to show more intensity off the ball.
Nunez’s record under Slot
The Uruguayan has scored just twice under Slot but has started just three games across all competitions this season.
| Darwin Nunez 24-25 stats | Apps | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Mins |
| Premier League | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 284′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 3 | 1 | – | – | 157′ |
| EFL Cup | 1 | – | 1 | – | 90′ |
However, with Jota ruled out for the foreseeable future with a rib injury, he is likely to get more chances in the weeks ahead.
Nunez is expected to lead the line against Brighton later today in the Carabao Cup and will look to record a goal or an assist, having notched up two goal contributions in his last two games across all competitions.
