Darwin Nunez arrived at Anfield with lofty expectations but his inconsistency has been frustrating.
The Uruguayan is the king of chaos at Liverpool – he’ll score from 30 yards out before missing a sitter. It is impossible to predict what he will do next.
While that is always an entertaining trait, it is not exactly what managers are looking for in their centre-forwards.
With Arne Slot at the helm, Liverpool are expected to transition more towards a possession-based style of play with intricate build-up around the box – something that may not suit Darwin Nunez.
One burning question among the fanbase is who will start the season as Slot’s preferred striker. Diogo Jota has been heavily involved in pre-season but Nunez will expect his place back after returning from international duty.
Arne Slot makes his striker decision
Liverpool are ending their pre-season preparations with two games in one afternoon. The Reds kicked off against Sevilla on Sunday afternoon and will also play Las Palmas at Anfield later in the day.
All eyes were on Slot’s team selection and the Dutchman played what appeared to be his first-choice side in the opening match against Sevilla.
However, one key omission was Nunez. Diogo Jota was preferred up front alongside Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
READ MORE: Arne Slot makes his feelings very clear on Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez
Slot’s decision was immediately justified with Jota opening the scoring as The Reds put on an emphatic display at Anfield.
Nunez is expected to lead the line later in the afternoon against Las Palmas as part of a side which will be filled with squad and rotation players – a sign that he has dropped down Slot’s pecking order.
Darwin Nunez at Liverpool next season
Nunez will have to improve this season but it seems he will first have to fight his way back into the starting lineup.
Slot has been urged to drop Nunez for Jota with the Uruguayan striker branded “clumsy”.
READ MORE: Steve Nicol makes big Liverpool claim, tells Arne Slot £64 million ace is ‘not ready’
Liverpool start their season against Ipswich Town next Saturday lunchtime and it is now expected that Jota will get the nod ahead of Nunez to start.
It will be a huge test for the £64million signing to get his head down and impress Slot in training.
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