Slot knows he now has to start under-fire Liverpool player on Saturday after what happened vs Lille - opinion
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Darwin Nunez continues to be a hot topic amongst Liverpool fans as the striker has failed to impress Arne Slot this season.
Since arriving in Liverpool from Benfica during the summer of 2022, the Uruguayan has become a fan favourite at Anfield due to the fight he displays on the pitch, however, Reds supporters have also displayed their frustrations with the 25-year-old’s weaknesses.
Nunez has a tendency to squander his chances in front of goal, makes poor decisions in the final third, and is often spotted roaming into offside positions.
What makes this even more frustrating is that the striker is a physical specimen. Nunez is tall, strong and has rapid pace that could be used to get in behind defences.
Due to his failings this season, Nunez has been linked to Saudi Arabia this month, but recent form may have given the 25-year-old a lifeline on Merseyside.
Nunez is ready to stay and fight at Liverpool for the remainder of the season and Arne Slot needs to start the Uruguay star against Ipswich following his performances against Brentford and Lille.
Ipswich Town start would benefit Darwin Nunez after Lille performance
Nunez was the hero for Liverpool last time out in the Premier League as the striker came off of the bench to score a brace in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Brentford.
Alan Shearer hoped Nunez would start for Liverpool against Lille as a result and it was a decision Slot made as the Dutch coach knew the 25-year-old would be up for it following his display the weekend prior.
Although the forward did not get on the scoresheet, Nunez impressed against the Ligue 1 outfit, displaying his work rate off the ball and causing the expected bit of chaos from time to time.
The former Benfica star would have been ruing his one-on-one opportunity in front of the Kop in the second half, while also seeing a goal ruled out for being offside, but the Uruguayan should be offered the chance to correct that on Saturday.
Having been hammered 6-0 by Man City on Sunday, Ipswich will be low on confidence heading to Anfield to face a Liverpool team who are viewed as the best in the country.
This provides Slot with the perfect opportunity to start Nunez against the Tractor Boys as it would be a massive boost to his confidence to find the net in back-to-back Premier League games.
The Dutch coach has preferred Luis Diaz over the 25-year-old in recent months but it would be very beneficial to have a proper number nine in top form as Diojo Jota’s injury struggles at Liverpool continue.
- READ MORE: Jay Spearing shares why Darwin Nunez is starting to remind him of Divock Origi at Liverpool
The underwhelming 2024/25 stats of Darwin Nunez at Liverpool
The 2024/25 campaign has not been good for Nunez as the striker as struggled for form throughout the entire campaign.
The Uruguay international has featured in 28 games for the Reds this season, producing just six goals and four assists.
Away from those key metrics, the 25-year-old’s other attacking stats in the Premier League do not read well.
Nunez has an expected goals ratio of just 3.27, has only had 10 shots on target from 25, has an expected assist ratio of 0.29, and has only created six big chances.
The last two displays from the forward could be what turns these numbers and Nunez’s career around; therefore, Slot needs to start the Reds fan favourite against Ipswich on Saturday.
