Objectively, Darwin Nunez is a talented centre-forward. One of the bravest, most influential, toughest. However, the thing is, Nunez has suffered from some bad finishes over the past two and a half years at Liverpool.
Oh, to lift the lid and take a peek at the complex mechanics of this Uruguayan striker. This enigma. Nunez scored two superb goals past Mark Flekken on Saturday afternoon to give Liverpool the upper hand as they looked to be heading for a third successive draw in Premier League.
Liverpool struggled against Brentford, whose resistance and togetherness led to another success under Thomas Frankwing this season, but they were finally broken through in stoppage time by a striker who was in desperate need of a break after a difficult spell.
Nunez doubled his Premier League goal tally this season by converting Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s drilled delivery before hitting the inside net moments later, latching onto it Harvey Elliotta neat pass after a devastating break.
But. Liverpool will be under no illusions that Nunez hasn’t been good enough this season, he still lacks the killer bite in the final third that was admittedly on display last time out.
Why Liverpool can still replace Nunez
Nunez will play a big part in Liverpool’s campaign in the coming months. Arne Slott he revealed at his press conference on Friday that Diogo Jota suffered another setback in form, ruling him out of his 12th match campaigns.
Liverpool’s attacking depth secured three invaluable points to ultimately extend their commanding lead at the top of the Premier League, something that was not lost on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal as the Londoners squandered a two-goal lead to draw with Aston Villa.
The title is, indeed, what Anfield has to lose, and while there is still a long, winding road ahead, Liverpool will only have themselves to blame if they fail in their endeavour. Nunez will be key again, but his record shows he has so much work to do before he can prove himself worthy of being the number one at number nine.
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Darwin Nunez – Premier League record |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
applications |
Objectives |
Shots (on goal) |
Big chances were missed |
|
24/25 |
16 |
4 |
1.6 (0.6) |
3 |
|
23/24 |
36 |
11 |
3.0 (1.3) |
27 |
|
22/23 |
29 |
9 |
2 9 (1.3) |
20 |
|
Statistics via Sofascore |
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The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent weeks, and while his performance at Brentford serves as a welcome reprieve, FSG are still scouring the market for a new top-flight player. forward.
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Liverpool are looking for a new striker
According to reports insider Graeme BaileyLiverpool are seriously considering a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo this year. The Frenchman is of course a hot name after being beaten by the Reds this weekend, but his performances throughout the campaign suggest he could be perfect for the job.
It is felt Frank will ban Mbeuma from leaving mid-season, but bids in the region of £60m could tempt the well-run side to cash in during the summer.
One of the best players in the English Premier League this year, the 25-year-old is being chased by a host of rivals, so Liverpool will need to up the ante at the negotiating table.
What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Liverpool
Mbeum’s quality will indeed be fresh in Liverpool’s minds after his impressive performance against Sloto’s side on Saturday, leading Kostas Tsimikas at times, with reporter Sam Tabuteau noting that he had the “measure” of a Greek left-back.
After all, it was a bad day at the office for the bee talisman, which stung Alisson’s palms four shots on goal – everyone, of course, saved.
This does not detract from a rich overall season that has seen excellent finishes in the Premier League, with Mbeumo actually ranked in the top 5% of position mates in the division for goals scored (0.59) per 90, according to FBref.
He is scored 13 goals in the division this season, he appeared 21 times and added three assists. Mbeumo is actually joint-fifth top scorer in 2024/25, five shots behind Mohamed Salah and just two from Newcastle United hitman Alexander Isak.
Last season, Jay Harris of The Athletic noted that Mbeumo “it cannot be stopped,” starring Mbeuma in West London. Well, it’s clear he’s raised his level since the summer, now among the Premier League’s top strikers.
Mainly playing on the right flank, Mbeumo has gained enough experience in a more conventional centre-forward role, gifted with a sharp finish to match a dynamic skill set and ensure his success.
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Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford stats by position (PL) |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
Position |
applications |
Objectives |
Assists |
|
Right wing |
62 |
22 |
17 |
|
Centarfor |
28 |
10 |
3 |
|
Attacking midfield |
29 |
2 |
1 |
|
Statistics via Transfermarkt |
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Sloto’s Liverpool are a fluid and interchangeable side, with the likes of Luis Diaz regularly appearing as a focal point. Mbeumo would argue that he has the better physicality of Liverpool’s contingent, with Nunez and Diaz the tenacious characters but perhaps lacking in power.
Mbeumo averaged 1.3 tackles and 4.6 successful tackles per Premier League game this term, according to Sofascoreso he clearly has the right anatomy for the job.
At 5ft 8, he’s diminutive and wouldn’t be the aerial threat that, say, Erling Haaland carries at Manchester City, but Liverpool could benefit from the strengths Mbeumo possesses anyway.
Liverpool may have the tools to get over the line this season, having won an incredible Premier League title in Slott’s first season in charge. Nunez has proven he can be a driving force in desperate moments, but is he mature enough, slot-like enough, to lead the line in the coming years.
Mbeumo has proven through several years of hard work that he is capable of being a consistent outlet in front of goal, and Liverpool must pull no punches to add his prized signing to the Anfield ranks.
