Darwin Nunez's Fate, Liverpool's Big Dilemma

LIVERPOOL, SUNDAY — For Liverpool, the puzzle is not about the chances of securing the Premier League title this season. What is more difficult for the top authorities at Liverpool to comprehend is the mystery surrounding the performance of striker Darwin Nunez. He can perform very poorly, yet later become the game-changer in determining the final outcome of the match. This was evident when "The Reds" defeated Southampton 3-1 at Anfield Stadium on Saturday evening (8/3/2025).

This match provides an opportunity for Nunez to prove himself after receiving harsh criticism from manager Arne Slot during the game against Aston Villa. Hosting Southampton, who are almost certain to be relegated this season, Slot benched Diogo Jota and opted for Nunez as the sole striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jota did not play the full match as preparation for facing Paris Saint-Germain in the middle of next week.

Coming on as a substitute for Jota, Nunez did not perform too poorly. Nunez was able to create three dangerous chances against Southampton, who played defensively. This match, akin to David facing Goliath, forced Southampton to avoid engaging in an open game against Liverpool.

When under attack, eight Southampton players closed the attacking lanes and implemented individual zone marking. Throughout the first half, Liverpool was only able to make two shots on target out of 12 attempts.

Although he managed to create three dangerous opportunities after breaking through Southampton's tight defense, Nunez failed to convert them into goals. This is an old issue that the Uruguayan striker has yet to overcome.

Finishing has always been an issue since he was brought in from Benfica. Due to frequently wasting opportunities, Liverpool's management is reportedly very eager to release Nunez at the end of this season.

However, Nunez is a player shrouded in mystery. At certain moments, he performs very poorly, but he can suddenly become the game-changer. He demonstrated this when he played a role in overturning Liverpool's deficit against Southampton.

Liverpool conceded first at the end of the first half through Will Smallbone who took advantage of poor coordination between defender Virgil Van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Southampton's lead did not last long after Nunez equalized just six minutes into the second half. He was able to tap the ball in despite being pressed by two Southampton defenders.

Nunez's equalizer was the sweet fruit of Slot's decision not to substitute him in the second half. After Liverpool fell behind, Slot, who was watching the match from the stands due to a disciplinary ban from the Merseyside derby, instructed his assistant to bring on Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott at half-time. Despite having the option to substitute Nunez, Slot did not take it.

"With Cody (Gakpo) out, we don't have many attacking options left. So that's why I took a certain risk by keeping him," Slot said.

Slot's decision proved to be the right one. After scoring the equaliser, Nunez played a part in Liverpool's comeback goal scored by Mohamed Salah from the penalty spot. Referee Lewis Smith awarded the spot kick after Nunez was fouled by Smallbone in his attempt to win the ball.

After turning the tables, things became more open for Liverpool. The Reds widened the gap, again thanks to Salah's penalty. This time, Lewis awarded the penalty after Yukinari Sugawara was caught handling the ball.

Liverpool's success in picking up full points against Southampton further solidifies their position at the top of the standings. They are now 16 points ahead of Arsenal in second place who still have two games left to play.

With such a big difference in points, Liverpool's chances of becoming champions are getting stronger. Now, the problem for Liverpool is not about the certainty of the title, but Nunez's future. With the end of the season approaching, Liverpool's top brass must immediately decide whether to sell him or keep him.

Since arriving three seasons ago for £64 million, Nunez has yet to really emerge as the striker Liverpool have been dreaming of. In fact, he has wasted so many chances that Slot has run out of patience with him. The end of this season is considered the right time for Liverpool to part ways with Nunez, whose contract still runs until 2028. (REUTERS)