'Not at the required level' - Ex-Red takes aim at misfiring Nunez amid striking woes

Darwin Nunez has been heavily criticised this season for his lack of form in front of goal, with Liverpool’s finishing woes costing them in recent weeks. 

Although the 24-year-old has got 11 Premier League goals to his name this season, he has missed a number of significant chances as Jurgen Klopp’s side slumped out of contention in the Premier League, the Europa League and the FA Cup. 

Having cost £85 million from Benfica in the summer of 2022, Nunez has established himself as an Anfield cult hero but questions are being raised over his prowess in front of goal. 

The 22-cap Uruguay international has only scored one goal in his last five starts, since his last-minute winner off the bench against Nottingham Forest back in early March.

And former Reds left back Jose Enrique believes that the evidence suggests Nunez is not up to the requisite standard. 

The Spaniard pinpoints Liverpool’s finishing as the main reason why they have slipped behind Manchester City and Arsenal in the title race and states the club need an upgrade on the South American hitman. 

“They are simply missing too many chances,” he told Grosvenor Sports. 

“It is not possible to win the Premier League when you miss as many chances as they do, especially when you aren’t too strong defensively and concede a lot of chances at your own end.

“Darwin Nunez is simply not at the required level and he never has been…He is a good player but he is not a Liverpool No.9.”

Big decision looming over Salah

Meanwhile, with Mohamed Salah entering the last 12 months of his contract, incoming sports director Richard Hughes could well have a decision to make over the future of the Egyptian. 

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League, including Al-Ittihad, are known to be keen to add the 31-year-old to the ranks, with Liverpool fending off a mammoth £100m+ bid last summer. 

Enrique believes that this summer represents the club’s last chance to make money on Salah and admits there is a decision to make over a new contract offer. 

“There is a big question mark over Mohamed Salah because I think this summer will be the club’s last opportunity to really cash in on him,” he said.

“All I can say is good luck to whoever has the job of replacing Mohamed Salah at Liverpool!”