Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol believes that forward Darwin Nunez may struggle to find opportunities in the starting lineup under new head coach Arne Slot. Nunez was left on the bench in the team's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, while starters Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah both scored. With Jota in good form and Nunez previously struggling for consistency, it remains to be seen if the Uruguayan will have a long-term future under Slot's reign.
Darwin Nunez Faces Competition for Starting Spot under New Liverpool Manager
Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol has raised concerns about the prospects of striker Darwin Nunez under new manager Arne Slot. Nicol believes that Nunez may struggle to break into the starting lineup due to the form of Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
Background
Nunez arrived at Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for a club-record fee of £85 million. The Uruguayan international initially struggled to justify his price tag, scoring just one goal in his first 10 Premier League appearances.
However, Nunez has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, scoring in Liverpool's last two games and providing an assist against Aston Villa. Despite his recent form, Nicol believes that Nunez may still face difficulties in securing a regular starting spot.
Nicol's Concerns
According to Nicol, Nunez's lack of consistency could be a major obstacle for him under Slot. The former Liverpool defender said: "He's got to show that he can score goals consistently. He's had some good games, he's had some bad games. He's got to find that level of consistency."
Nicol also pointed to the form of Jota as a factor that could limit Nunez's opportunities. The Portuguese forward has scored 8 goals in his last 9 games for Liverpool, including the opener in the recent 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Conclusion
While Nunez has shown encouraging signs in recent weeks, it remains to be seen if he can maintain his form and secure a regular starting spot under Slot. The competition from Jota and Salah will be fierce, and Nunez will need to continue to prove his worth if he wants to establish himself as a key player for Liverpool.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why is Steve Nicol concerned about Darwin Nunez's future at Liverpool? A: Nicol believes that Nunez may struggle to find opportunities in the starting lineup due to the form of Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
2. What has been Nunez's performance since joining Liverpool? A: Nunez has scored 10 goals in 28 appearances for Liverpool, but his performances have been inconsistent.
3. What did Jota and Salah do in Liverpool's recent win over Ipswich Town? A: Jota scored the opening goal and Salah added the second in Liverpool's 2-0 victory.
4. Who is Arne Slot and what is his managerial style? A: Arne Slot is a Dutch manager who has been in charge of Feyenoord since 2021. He is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to develop young players.
5. What is the future of Darwin Nunez at Liverpool? A: It remains to be seen if Nunez can secure a regular starting spot under Slot. His future at Liverpool will depend on his ability to maintain his form and compete with Jota and Salah for a place in the team.
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