Liverpool extended their flawless Champions League run with a narrow 1-0 win over Girona, yet the performance raised fresh questions about Darwin Nunez’s place in the starting XI.
After an unscheduled rest—caused by the postponement of their Merseyside derby with Everton due to severe weather—the Reds still looked short of sharpness at Estadi Montilivi. A Mohamed Salah penalty, awarded following a VAR check on Donny van de Beek’s foul on Luis Diaz, proved decisive, marking the Egyptian’s 16th goal of the season. But the margin could have been far greater if Nunez had been more clinical.
The Uruguayan endured another frustrating night, wasting two clear opportunities and struggling in possession, completing only half of his passes (4/8). In 71 minutes on the pitch, he touched the ball just 16 times before making way for Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman matched Nunez’s pass count in far less time and won all his duels.
Last season, Nunez delivered a solid return of 18 goals and 13 assists in 52 matches, but his form has dipped under Arne Slot. This term, his output reads just 3 goals and 2 assists in 19 appearances, and his all-round play has looked short of conviction.
Gakpo, in contrast, has been far more decisive with 8 goals and 2 assists. Given the upcoming clash with Fulham at Anfield, Slot may be wise to hand the No. 9 role to the Dutchman, leaving Nunez to regroup on the bench.
Liverpool remain four points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand, but sustained form will be key to tightening their grip on the title race. Dropping an underperforming Nunez could be a necessary step toward that goal.