According to expert Frank McAvennie, Liverpool winger Darwin Nunez “can’t handle” the transition to a team the stature of the Reds.
Nunez made a rough start at Liverpool after making a club-record £85 million transfer in the summer. He got sent off for a headbutt on his home debut against Crystal Palace.
Rio Ferdinand said the winger’s finishing and execution “aren’t quite clean yet” after he missed 16 significant chances in the Premier League this season, the most by any player in the top tier.
Frank McAvennie believes Liverpool is ‘too big’ for Darwin Nunez
Former top-flight goal scorer McAvennie has now stated that the 23-year-old may not be suited for success at Liverpool in an interview with Football Insider, saying:
“I feel for him because he is a decent player, but some clubs are just too big for certain players.
I am not talking about the club being huge. There is a whole atmosphere around the club. It is for winners. Everything about the club is for winners, and some people can’t handle that.
Liverpool fans demand every game that you give 100 per cent. I feel sorry for him because he is missing some chances.”
The former Benfica player did not have the best of starts with the Reds. But in recent weeks, he has really begun to find his footing. On Monday night, he provided an excellent assist in the Merseyside derby, making superb use of his speed.
Averaging just over one goal-related contribution every other game, the Uruguayan has made 17 contributions in 27 games this season. It is a highly commendable record for a player in their first year at the club.
Nunez’s finishing needs to improve, but the ‘talented’ forward is getting into strong positions to threaten in the first place is an excellent indication. And his current form suggests he could have a bright future under Jurgen Klopp.
