Has the Darwin Nunez Experiment Failed at Liverpool?

Darwin Núñez’s penalty shootout miss in Liverpool’s crucial second-leg tie against PSG last night felt like the perfect summary of his time at Anfield – big expectations, but ultimately failing to deliver when it matters most.

Signed with high hopes, Núñez was supposed to be the dynamic No.9 that Liverpool needed to spearhead their attack in the post-Sadio Mané era. Yet, after three seasons, the Uruguayan remains a puzzle that Jürgen Klopp – and soon, his successor – has been unable to solve. 

While there have been glimpses of brilliance, Núñez has struggled with efficient finishing, producing glaring and sometimes outrageous misses that have made him a frustrating figure for Liverpool fans. His all-round play has also left much to be desired, lacking the technical finesse and tactical intelligence required to thrive in a system like Liverpool’s. The potential is undeniable, but as Núñez turns 26 this summer, the patience of many fans is wearing thin. With three seasons of evidence now available, many believe it’s time for Liverpool to cut their losses and move on. 

Inconsistent Finishing and Wasted Chances 

Núñez arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2022 from Benfica for an initial €75 million, with add-ons potentially pushing the deal past €100 million. The expectation was clear: he was to be Liverpool’s answer to Erling Haaland, a physically dominant forward capable of stretching defenses and scoring at will. Instead, his finishing has been erratic at best and wasteful at worst. 

In his debut season (2022-23), he managed 15 goals and four assists in all competitions – not disastrous numbers, but certainly not befitting a club-record signing. The biggest issue was the sheer volume of chances he missed. His xG (expected goals) suggested he should have been scoring far more, but his composure in front of goal often deserted him. 

The following season (2023-24) saw marginal improvement, with Núñez recording 18 goals and seven assists. But the same problems persisted: inconsistent finishing, a lack of clinical edge, and a tendency to snatch at shots. His movement was often intelligent, but his inability to convert high-quality chances left Liverpool frustrated, especially in tight games where margins are thin. 

Now, in his third season (2024-25), the numbers have been underwhelming yet again – just 12 goals and five assists so far. With Liverpool in the midst of a Premier League title challenge and deep runs in cup competitions, Núñez’s failure to deliver consistently has become a major talking point. 

A Poor Fit for Liverpool’s System 

Beyond his finishing woes, Núñez has never quite looked comfortable in Liverpool’s tactical setup. Klopp’s system thrived on fluidity, intelligent pressing, and quick interchanges. While Núñez brings relentless energy and raw pace, he often disrupts the rhythm rather than enhancing it. His link-up play is clumsy, his decision-making questionable, and his first touch unreliable. 

Liverpool’s best periods under Klopp have been built around forwards who can contribute beyond goals – think of Roberto Firmino’s intelligence in dropping deep and connecting play. Núñez, in contrast, is more of a chaotic presence. At times, this unpredictability has worked in his favor, unsettling defenses. But more often than not, it has left Liverpool disjointed in attack. 

If Núñez struggled under Klopp, things have only gone downhill under Arne Slot. The Dutch manager doesn’t seem convinced by the Uruguayan, often preferring to deploy Luis Díaz as a makeshift striker rather than starting Núñez. When Díaz isn't leading the line, Slot turns to Diogo Jota – whenever the injury-prone Portuguese forward is fit. 

In a season where many Liverpool fans hoped Núñez would finally step up and prove himself, he’s instead found himself slipping down the pecking order. In fact, he now appears to be Liverpool’s third-choice striker in a squad that doesn’t even have a proper No.9 aside from him. That, more than anything, speaks volumes about how badly the Núñez experiment has failed. 

To make matters worse, Núñez has reportedly drawn criticism from Slot for his poor body language following big misses in recent games. His visible frustration on the pitch hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that his time at Anfield is nearing its end. A summer departure feels inevitable. 

Not Endearing Himself to the Fans 

Liverpool fans are passionate, knowledgeable, and – most importantly – demanding. They appreciate hard work, but they also expect end product. Núñez’s work rate has never been in question, but the lack of consistency in his performances has made it difficult for supporters to fully embrace him. The missed chances, the frustrating decision-making, and the frequent moments of sloppiness have only added to the growing sentiment that he is not the right striker to lead Liverpool forward. When Núñez is on form, he looks unplayable. But those moments have been too fleeting over three seasons. 

Liverpool’s No.9 Problem 

Liverpool’s squad is strong, but if there’s one obvious weakness, it’s the No.9 position. Mohamed Salah remains the team’s talisman, but his long-term future is uncertain amid continued links to Saudi Arabia. Diogo Jota, while a more clinical finisher, has struggled with persistent injuries, making him an unreliable option over a full season. Cody Gakpo has been used in a central role at times, but he’s more suited to playing off the left. 

With Núñez failing to take the role by storm, Liverpool have a decision to make. If they are serious about competing for Premier League and Champions League titles in the post-Klopp era, they need a reliable, elite-level striker – someone who can be counted on to deliver 25+ goals a season without the inconsistency that has plagued Núñez’s tenure. 

Time to Move On? 

Turning 26 in the summer, Núñez is no longer a raw prospect; he’s entering what should be the prime years of his career. Liverpool have given him three seasons to develop into the world-class striker they thought they were signing, but the evidence suggests it’s not going to happen – at least not at Anfield. There is no doubt that Núñez has the potential to be a top striker. In a different system, with a different style of play, he might finally explode into the player many hoped he would become. But Liverpool cannot afford to wait any longer. 

Offloading Núñez and reinvesting in a proven No.9 would be the logical step. The Reds have spent big before on players who didn’t work out – Andy Carroll, Christian Benteke – but they’ve also shown they can pivot quickly and find the right fit. If Núñez is sold, Liverpool could use the funds to sign a striker who truly complements their playing style. 

In the end, the Darwin Núñez experiment at Liverpool may not have been an outright disaster, but it has certainly fallen short of expectations. The flashes of brilliance have been too inconsistent, and with three seasons of evidence to analyze, it’s clear that Liverpool’s long-term solution at No.9 lies elsewhere. 

Also Read: Arne Slot Offers Key Injury Update on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté Ahead of EFL Cup Final