Darwin Nunez has scored 33 goals in 96 league appearances since joining Liverpool from Benfica in 2024, but Michael Owen is unsure if he can continue to improve under Arne Slot
Darwin Nunez’s potential to reach new heights at Liverpool has been questioned by Michael Owen, but he is quick to brush off the idea that this season, under Arne Slot’s leadership, will be the Uruguayan’s make-or-break one.
Nunez had a successful debut season, scoring 15 goals, and then went on to score 18 goals with 13 assists. However, in the final 10 games of the season, Nunez went without a point.
Nunez, who originally cost $80 million, is thought to have accrued additional expenses as a result of appearance-based add-ons, bringing his transfer total to $94 million, which matches Virgil van Dijk’s. With incentives linked to the team’s performance, this amount might rise to £85 million.
While acknowledging that Nunez might have plateaued at 25, Owen also dismissed the notion that the 25-year-old striker might be on thin ice if his play doesn’t improve in an interview with AceOdds.
Owen said, “I don’t think [this is Nunez’s last chance].” The only thing, in my opinion, that could be said about him is how well-liked he is. Since he clearly possesses some amazing and challenging to teach qualities, people are really optimistic that he could develop into a great player. However, I believe that if he keeps acting in this manner, people will likely come to terms with the fact that this is who he will always be.
“Gosh, he’s raw, was my initial thinking upon seeing him. Naturally, I anticipated it. While I was aware of his age, I still anticipated a younger athlete. that he will gain more knowledge about the role, the game, and other related topics. However, given his age, you could be thinking, “Well, if he hasn’t mastered it by now—and I’ve been saying this for a few years—then I’m probably beginning to believe that what you see is what you get now.” A gifted young man with excellent qualities who will undoubtedly play a significant role for Liverpool.
“I believed this kid might be anything two years ago. In a way, I was really eager to see what he may become. I’m beginning to change my mind now and believe that we receive what we see.
Owen continued, “No matter what happens, and it’ll be the same when Pep Guardiola leaves or any top managers, it always happens and has always been the case.” Arne Slot was named Jurgen Klopp’s replacement. There will always be a downfall. It’s just not possible to answer.
“Unless Pep Guardiola stormed through the door, then it’s definitely a comedown from Klopp, isn’t it? All individuals need to do is comprehend that. Support the new manager and let’s hope that everything goes smoothly. Naturally, Liverpool fans will give him time, encouragement, and other things of that sort. That’s the only possible outcome. However, as I have stated, it will be a blow to Jurgen Klopp unless Pep Guardiola leaves Anfield.
“Anyone with a really strong opinion, I mean, said, ‘Oh, yeah, he’s going to be a disaster or he’s going to be a perfect match.'” What can you say, really? It promises to be quite fascinating. We’ve seen other Premier League teams in the past have managers for extended periods of time, and the odds are probably against him.
“You would say that after Ferguson left, as we all know, terrible things happened, and they still do. It wasn’t good for a while after Arsene Wenger left, and they’re just now returning.
Thus, many clubs that have had a manager for an extended length of time often struggle immediately thereafter. That’s not to claim, however, that two instances from the Premier League era are insufficient to conclude that things will remain precisely the same. Who knows, then? But you are aware that Jurgen Klopp was an outstanding manager. It will be very difficult to fill their boots.”
“The primary difficulty? Anticipation. Enter a team where virtually no margin for error exists, whether it’s winning the league, qualifying for the Champions League, coming in second and taking home a few trophies, or something else entirely. There just isn’t much space for error.
“After a fantastic ten years of football—not only football that results in trophies, but real incredible nights, amazing games, and tremendous style of play—demands and expectations are high. Really, I believe the entire package. You don’t expect an easy ride when you travel to Liverpool. For the time being, there is no pressure. I mean, it probably goes up ten notches. He so faces many difficulties, detours, obstacles, and other problems wherever he looks. That is what the title entails.”
Nunez scored in Uruguay’s 3-1 victory over Panama in their opening Copa America match on Monday. Nunez is presently playing for Uruguay.
