Arne Slot has suggested that he doesn’t see Darwin Nunez as a viable No.9 option for Liverpool – even with Diogo Jota out injured.
Jota has been Slot’s preferred option to play in the central striker role in his 4-3-3 formation over the first few months of the season. But the Portuguese forward is facing a period on the sidelines after picking up an injury during the 2-1 win over Chelsea.
Nunez is growing into the season with Liverpool, having bagged the winner against RB Leipzig with his second goal of the season in the Champions League last week. The Uruguay international’s work rate has never been questioned – and Slot dished out some glowing praise before the Arsenal game.
“He scored a goal, which was vital, but his work-rate was also really good and he’s not played that many games with us,” the Dutchman said. “So with him there is, like the others, room for improvement in co-operation with some of the other players, but that’s normal. He’s very good and it’s pleasing to see that after a difficult start.”
His injury would appear to be a huge opportunity for Nunez, who started up front in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday. However, Slot has cast doubt on his suitability for the role ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup match against Brighton on Wednesday evening.
His injury would appear to be a huge opportunity for Nunez, who started up front in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday. However, Slot has cast doubt on his suitability for the role ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup match against Brighton on Wednesday evening.
It is a pity that Jota is not available,” Slot said. “And [Federico] Chiesa is also not available as they were, in my opinion, the most logical No .9s, but we still have other options.”
Nunez has played centrally and off the left flank for Liverpool since joining in a deal worth £85million from Benfica in June 2022. He has contributed 35 goals and 19 assists in 106 matches across all competitions so far, yet his role in the side remains unclear.
“I think about Darwin, I gave him credit for the fact he worked so hard in previous weeks when he didn’t play a lot to be able to play three games in a row,” Slot added. “I think three games in eight days, so that says a lot about him – but it also says a lot about the quality of our performance staff and medical staff that we were able to give him the right sessions to prepare him in the right way.
