11 months ago
153 Tony Cascarino believes that Darwin Nunez needs to improve if Liverpool are going to win the Premier League title this season, insisting that he is currently all over the place.
Cascarino was speaking on talkSPORT (10/12; 6:27) after the Reds went to the summit with a dramatic 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool were far from their best against the Eagles. The substitutes had a big impact on the game. And many of those who started struggled against Roy Hodgson’s men.
Tony Cascarino criticises Darwin Nunez after Liverpool win
Darwin Nunez was one of those who had a poor day at the office. The Uruguayan missed a couple of potential chances. And he was guilty of trying to overplay at times when the Reds were around the Palace penalty area.
Nunez has come in for a lot of criticism since his move to the Premier League. Some of it has definitely been unfair. And he has been directly involved in 14 goals in all competitions already this season.
However, Nunez has only scored four times in the Premier League this term. And that includes just one goal since the end of September.
With that, Tony Cascarino believes that Liverpool need the 24-year-old to improve if they are going to be able to now mount a genuine title challenge.
“A few weeks ago, Jurgen Klopp praised him about his running, his ability, just his running and determination to lead the line brilliantly well and he did,” he told talkSPORT.
“He wasn’t doing that yesterday and we just spoke there about Mo Salah and how pivotal he is to Liverpool to get on the end of things and score goals. Darwin Nunez is not doing that.
“If Liverpool are going to have the chance of winning the league, he’s got to turn up. He’s got to be clinical and he’s got to be in the side to prove his worth.
“At the moment, I’m watching Darwin Nunez in the last few games, and his games are all over the place. His touch is off, he’s running into space and getting caught offside all the time.”
Reds’ success could be ominous for rivals
Obviously, at some stage, it is imperative that it all clicks for Nunez and he proves himself. However, he has a record of slightly better than a goal every three games, and a goal contribution every other game for the club.
They are not outstanding numbers. But it is a start, particularly when Liverpool have actually spent so long playing without a natural number nine.
The good news is that the Reds are getting goals from all over the pitch right now. There have been 12 different goalscorers for Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
And they still find themselves top without hitting top gear. Once it really falls into place for the club, they are going to be an unbelievable force again.
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