Liverpool: Darwin Nunez will soon be “scoring goals for fun” says Jules Breach
Nunez #Nunez
One of the biggest talking points of the 2022/23 Premier League season remains Darwin Núñez‘s move to Liverpool.
The Uruguayan has come under a lot of scrutiny since his eye-watering £85 million move from Benfica, as his performances haven’t exactly matched his hefty price tag.
However, BT Sport presenter Jules Breach is confident that despite his shaky start to life on Merseyside, his fortune is due to change.
Breach spoke to GiveMeSport about the criticism Núñez has faced in his debut season.
Have the comments been fair? Can he flip his, and Liverpool’s, season on its head with an inspired performance in the second half of the season?
Darwin Nunez will soon be “scoring goals for fun”
While Breach is confident there is a bright future at Anfield for Núñez, she believes the professional feedback he has received so far has been justified.
“The critique I’ve seen has all been pretty fair because he hasn’t been scoring chances,” she said.
“He’s missed the most chances in the Premier League so far this season, and until he actually goes on a goal-scoring run where we see it consistently, then the criticism isn’t untrue.”
Indeed, no player has missed more big chances in the Premier League this season than Liverpool’s frontman.
Núñez has squandered 15 big goal-scoring opportunities in 18 league appearances, and has scored just fives times.
Manchester City‘s Erling Haaland has missed 14 big chances, but has made up for those errors with a return of 25 goals in 19 games.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool shoots wide past Robin Olsen of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on December 26, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Núñez and Haaland have been pitted against each other since they joined their respective Premier League sides last summer.
Haaland has scored a total of 31 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions so far, compared to Núñez’s 10 in 24.
The Liverpool ace is currently without a league goal since November 2022.
But despite the Uruguayan’s inconsistency in front of goal for Liverpool, he did enough during his time with Benfica to leave a lasting impression as a clinical goalscorer.
Last season, Núñez netted 26 goals in 28 Primeira Liga appearances, and 34 in 41 total matches across all tournaments.
Patience is key with Nunez LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool in actio during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on November 12, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
There is still plenty of time left for Núñez to return to action and make a difference on the pitch this season.
He recently returned from a leg injury, which kept him out of the squad for two matches, but is now in contention to start against Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday.
The 23-year-old came off the bench during Liverpool’s latest outing against Chelsea, but he was unable to influence the 0-0 scoreline.
Video: Watch all of Darwin Nunez’s goals so far for Liverpool
Núñez has proven he has the capability to pop up with important goals though. In the league alone, the Uruguayan played a big part in results against Fulham, West Ham, and Southampton.
“I look at him as a really exciting player who gets you off your seat and he’s definitely got something about him,” Breach said.
“I like his attitude. I like the fact that he’s got a bit of an edge about him.
“He’s clearly an extremely talented player. We’ve seen it before with goal-scorers that have come to the Premier League, it takes them a bit of time to settle.
But once they get into a little bit of a run of form and get a bit of confidence… he’ll be scoring goals for fun for Liverpool.
“So yeah, I think he’ll come good.”
You can find all the latest football news, rumours and exclusives right here on GiveMeSport.
Quiz: Can you name these obscure Liverpool players signed during the January transfer window?
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