Darwin Nunez Is Already One Of Liverpool’s Most Important Players

Expected Goals (xG) haven’t been kind to Darwin Nunez since returning from the 2022 World Cup. Indeed, the Uruguayan striker has registered 2.8 xG for Liverpool in two matches against Aston Villa and Leicester City without finding the back of the net. By Jurgen Klopp’s own admission, Nunez has been wasteful in front of goal.

However, the 23-year-old has become an extremely important part of Liverpool’s team since joining from Benfica in the summer transfer window. Nunez’s attacking output and execution in and around the box might need some refinement, but Liverpool are already a better side for having him as their new number nine.

Without Nunez, Liverpool would be an easier team to play against. The Uruguayan offers a great deal of pace in behind and allows the Reds to stretch the pitch quickly. Mohamed Salah is now finding more space because of the way opposition defenders are increasingly drawn to Nunez and the threat he poses.

“It was a brilliant performance from him tonight,” Klopp said about Nunez’s display in the 2-1 win over Leicester City during which the Uruguayan striker missed a number of opportunities to find the back of the net. “I know people only want to look at the stats but the [second] goal comes from him.

“It was a clear improvement to the last situations. He didn’t just shoot, he chipped it and it was great. The chance he created for Mo as well. He took three defenders out of the game pretty much. That’s special, that’s really special. I’m really happy about that.”

Liverpool are in a period of transition under Klopp. Sadio Mane left Anfield for Bayern Munich at the end of last season and while Salah signed a new contract to remain at Liverpool he is now entering the twilight of his career. Klopp is embracing the task of building a new team that can compete at the top of the English and European game again.

The signing of Nunez was crucial to this. The 23-year-old earned himself a reputation as one of the best young strikers around for Benfica last season, even impressing against Liverpool in the Champions League. Had Liverpool not signed him, Manchester United or Real Madrid or another elite level club would have made a move.

Klopp wants Nunez to be more than just a goal-scorer. His record of nine goals in 21 appearances for Liverpool this season is respectable, but Klopp recognises how the Uruguayan gives his team a different dimension in the final third. He is a nightmare to defend against. Nunez also makes other players around him better. He might be frustrating at times, but Nunez’s potential is clear.