View: Darwin Nunez faces make-or-break season as striker back in Liverpool training
Darwin Nunez has linked up with Liverpool for pre-season training following his Copa America duties ahead of his most important season at Anfield.
The Uruguayan was pictured alongside Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Joe Gomez, who all returned to the AXA Training Centre following participation in international tournaments over the summer.
In their absence, Arne Slot has guided the Reds to three wins out of three during their pre-season tour of the USA, including victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.
Nunez has developed a love-hate relationship with Liverpool supporters over the past two years for his ability to miss what seems the easiest of chances and it’s now time for him to start performing consistently for the Reds.
Darwin Nunez has to deliver for Liverpool this season
The 25-year-old’s future is safe for now. Slot has already contacted the striker to assure him that he will play an important role at Anfield this season (The Mirror, 5 July).
He was hit and miss again last term with 11 goals and eight assists in 36 Premier League appearances, and the Reds suffered due to his lack of composure as he ended the season with an astonishing 16.39 xG. (Sofascore).
Nunez was criticised heavily by the fan base last season, which led to him removing all his Liverpool posts from his Instagram account, but the supporters were right to be frustrated when their £85million forward failed to score regularly.
The brace against Newcastle in the 2-1 win at St James’ Park last August looked to be the turning point for the Uruguayan – it stood to mark the perfect example of his impact in a Liverpool shirt.
He brings excitement and chaos to the pitch when he plays and his ability to quicken the play and make runs behind the defence is exactly what Slot is looking for in a striker.
But his emotions, much like his talent, are still raw. He was involved, however justifiable, in a brawl with Colombia supporters after the 1-0 defeat at the Copa America in a match where he was hooked at half-time.
There is no doubting the quality that he possesses but the question of how to harness that quality remains and will be one of Slot’s most pressing tasks ahead of the new season. Nunez cannot afford another underwhelming campaign in a Liverpool shirt.
In other Liverpool news, Curtis Jones has been one of the big winners of Slot’s arrival at Anfield.
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