The former Benfica star played the final 23 minutes of the game against Arsenal on Saturday night as Jurgen Klopp’s side chased down a winner. Nunez’ work rate was on display again, but his final third was impossible to ignore.”He needs time” are the three words fans regularly say about the striker’s poor performances in his last three games, but McManaman admits there will come a time when there will be no more excuses.
“People still say he’s raw, but full of energy. He works hard and fights, but he has to be brutal in front of goal. He needs the ice.” Sooner or later he will have to go because he is Liverpool’s centre-forward. Let’s not forget that. When people start saying “he hasn’t scored in 11 games” or “he hasn’t scored in 12 games” it’s a challenge to his character.“Audiences love it and stick with it until they see something they like. As a forward, he knows he won’t score. He has been here for 18 months. After six months, you say, “It just takes time.” After a year, “it just needs time.” He must show the level of scoring he achieved at Benfica. Liverpool play a different style to their previous clubs and they don’t play every game here. “We have to remember Nunez’ age. He plays offside a lot and is so passionate about the game that he gets cautioned for stupid actions. He needs to limit that because he doesn’t want to get sacked again, especially in big games. I don’t mind playing games. Soon someone will fly and all will be well for that person.”McManaman’s other former club Real Madrid also face the same dilemma as Nunez.
Former Stoke City and Newcastle United forward Joselo joined Los Blancos on loan and has disappointed many fans with his lack of production while playing for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season. Nunez was also found guilty of failing to take the risks imposed on him. Becoming a clinical finisher is no easy task and only top athletes are able to consistently perform week after week. Mohamed Salah certainly falls into that category and exemplifies what Liverpool’s number nine wants, McManaman believes.
Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman has admitted Darwin Nunes needs to score for his side after going 12 games without scoring. Núñez’s last successful result was a 2–1 Carabao Cup win at Bournemouth on 1 November when the Uruguayan struck into the top right corner. There were plenty of close moments for the striker after the away win, but the 24-year-old had nothing to show for it.
