Steve McManaman claimed during commentary on BT Sport that Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is a work in progress, despite the Reds splashing out a club-record fee to sign the Uruguayan striker from Benfica in the summer window.
Nunez, 23, cost in the region of £85million after he scored an enormous 34 goals in 41 league and cup outings last term. Ultimately, he has failed to live up to the price tag so far – with Erling Haaland in sparkling form as comparison.
Indeed, Nunez has scored just two goals, against Haaland’s 17. The former Benfica man has also shown a red card, spending more times out suspended than he has netted goals. On Tuesday, he played 80 minutes against Rangers.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah scored, and Liverpool cruised to a comfortable win – Nunez struggled to really have an impact. Allan McGregor denied Nunez on numerous occasions. McManaman gave his verdict.
“You have to remember what type of player Nunez is. He likes to run forward, that was his best attribute when he played against Liverpool last year in the Champions League. He’s a work in progress,” McManaman told BT Sport.
McManaman: Liverpool striker Nunez a work in progress
He is a work in progress, but for that to come from a Liverpool-supporting pundit will be frustrating to hear for Spurs fans. Ultimately, when you pay £85million for a player, you expect a player that can come in and make an impact.
When Arsenal spent £72million for Nicolas Pepe, there was huge hype – immediately followed by frustration and anger. Nunez has the love of the fans of the moment, his work rate and glimpses of quality helping him achieve that.
But should he fail to find the back of the net, or show the kind of form expected of an £85million player, then that could begin to wain. It did not take long for Pepe and Arsenal to grow apart, and he is out on loan at Nice.
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