Expectations are growing for Darwin Núñez.
Núñez joined Liverpool from SL Benfica last season, and the presence of Elling Holland, who joined the English Premier League (EPL) from Manchester City at the same time, led to speculation among domestic fans that Núñez and Holland would have a “Núñez War”. In the first meeting between the two players, the Community Shield between Liverpool and Man City, Núñez scored a goal to lead his team to victory, raising expectations among fans.
However, the gap between Núñez and Holland has only widened. While Holland has scored in almost every game he’s played since the league started, Núñez has been disappointing with his lackluster performances. The phrase “Núñez vs. Holland” was dropped during the season. While Núñez did score 15 goals throughout the season, his presence was dwarfed by Holland’s dominant performances.
Núñez has put last season’s disappointment behind him and is ready for a new season. Having been given the number nine shirt after Roberto Firmino’s departure, Núñez has been in impressive form, scoring four goals in preseason alone. Naturally, expectations are high for Núñez next season.
For Núñez to live up to expectations, he’ll need to win a starting spot. Liverpool will likely have a fluid attacking lineup next season. With Mohamed Salah still expected to be the team’s ace, 메이저사이트 it’s likely that Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Núñez will take turns partnering Salah. Núñez will need to win the fierce competition for a starting spot and protect the pride of being Liverpool’s new No. 9.
Expectations are high locally, too. The UK’s Daily Mail recently wrote about Núñez’s impressive preseason, stating that “link-up play, defensive work and improved English have put him in a position to become Liverpool’s new No. 9 next season.”
The Reds will play two more friendlies against Bayern Munich and Darmstadt during the remainder of pre-season before opening the 2023-24 campaign against Chelsea on Thursday.