Slot needs to axe Darwin Núñez v PSG after what happened in Liverpool v Southampton
Liverpool will need to be at their best against PSG, which means Darwin Núñez cannot start at Anfield on Tuesday.
Arne Slot’s side look all but set to win the Premier League after Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday (9 March).
Liverpool are now 15 points clear of the Gunners, who have one game in hand, which all but assures they will lift their second Premier League trophy this season.
However, Slot has a chance to truly create history by also winning the UEFA Champions League in his debut season with the Reds. Liverpool hold a 1-0 lead over PSG heading into the second leg of their Round of 16 clash at Anfield on 11 March.
However, the Merseyside outfit were incredibly lucky to escape with a win after being dominated by PSG at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday (5 March), with Alisson to thank. Therefore, Slot’s side will need to be at their best in the return fixture, and that means Núñez can be nowhere near the starting lineup.
Slot must axe Núñez for Liverpool v PSG
Núñez drew Liverpool level as the Reds beat Southampton 3-1 in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday (8 March).
The forward also won the penalty which Mohamed Salah converted to put the hosts ahead. However, these two contributions do not tell the whole story.
While he did end his 10-match goal drought, which left one Barcelona star impressed, the 25-year-old’s overall performance proves he is still not to be trusted in a game as big as the one against PSG.
| Liverpool 2024/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Darwin Núñez | 38 | 7 | 6 |
As per Sofascore, Núñez had four shots overall, with two of those on target and the other two off target. While he did find the back of the net with one of his shots, he also missed two big chances.
This proves the Uruguayan needs plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net, opportunities which he might not get against PSG. In addition, Núñez won just 33 per cent of his ground duels and 50 per cent of his aerial duels, while also being dribbled past twice against the Saints.
He also gave away three fouls, and Slot cannot afford for a player as chaotic as Núñez to start in a match which will require cool heads.
Diogo Jota should replace Núñez for Liverpool v PSG
Luckily for Slot, the Liverpool boss has a replacement ready for Núñez.
Diogo Jota is the obvious candidate to start ahead of the often misfiring Liverpool number nine.
Jota replaced Núñez in the 68th minute against Southampton, and should start ahead of his teammate at Anfield on Tuesday night.