Nunez has become a fan favourite since arriving on Merseyside from Benfica. After scoring 15 goals in his debut campaign, the 24-year-old is well on his way to bettering his previous tally, with seven so far this season, while also being in prolific form at international level for Uruguay.
The striker has recorded 21 goal contributions in 25 games for club and country, with his remarkable brace against Newcastle United ranking top of the list among Liverpool fans. However, Barnes believes that Nunez’s somewhat erratic finishing prevents him from being considered a world-class striker. “Darwin Nunez works hard for the team and never shies away from the ball,” Barnes told Bonuscodebets.co.uk. “He shows for the ball, he gets on the ball, helps his team mates.
“If Darwin Nunez was as good a finisher as Erling Haaland, Robbie Fowler or Alan Shearer he would be the best player in the world.
“The physical qualities Nunez has are things those players didn’t have. You can’t have it both ways. If he was a fantastic finisher he wouldn’t have come to Liverpool for £60m.” While some Liverpool fans may bemoan Barnes’ arguably glass-half-empty view of what Nunez brings to Jurgen Klopp’s side, the former England international did praise the other aspects of the forward’s game. Barnes doubled down on his stance, though.
“With what he has and the attributes of aggression and his mentality, his hold up play and his willingness to work, he’s okay for Liverpool,” Barnes added.
“If Matt Le Tissier ran around more he would have cost £500m. If Vinnie Jones had lots of skill he would have cost £200m. You can’t have it both ways. “He can improve in terms of his finishing but he’s never going to be a finisher like a Robbie Fowler or an Ian Wright. I’m pleased and the fans love him so he’ll be fine.”
Liverpool hero John Barnes has suggested that Darwin Nunez is missing just one key skill to become the world’s best player.
