Darwin Nunez's struggles in front of goal have reached concerning new heights as the Liverpool striker's Premier League drought extended to a worrying 12 matches following Thursday night's Merseyside derby.
The Uruguayan international, who arrived at Anfield in a deal potentially worth £85 million, last found the net in the top flight during Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Brentford on February 17th. Since that afternoon, the 24-year-old has drawn a blank across three full months of league action.
Merseyside Derby Frustration
Nunez's barren run continued during Liverpool's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park, where he was substituted after just 61 minutes following an ineffective display. The forward managed just one shot throughout the match and failed to test Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal.
Jurgen Klopp's decision to withdraw his number nine highlighted the growing frustration surrounding Nunez's performances, with the German manager opting for Diogo Jota as he searched for a route back into the game.
Concerning Statistics Emerge
The numbers make for grim reading for the former Benfica man. Across his 12-game goalless streak, Nunez has:
- Attempted 35 shots without success
- Failed to score in his last 797 minutes of Premier League football
- Seen his conversion rate drop to just 12% for the season
- Missed 18 big chances throughout the campaign
These statistics become even more alarming when considering Nunez's price tag and the expectations that accompanied his arrival at one of English football's most successful clubs.
What's Gone Wrong for Liverpool's Number Nine?
While Nunez has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Liverpool - particularly in cup competitions and European fixtures - his Premier League form has consistently frustrated the Anfield faithful. His erratic finishing and decision-making in crucial moments have raised questions about his suitability for the relentless nature of English football.
The striker's confidence appears visibly affected, with his body language during recent matches suggesting a player struggling with the weight of expectation. As Liverpool's title challenge faltered in recent weeks, Nunez's inability to convert chances has come under increased scrutiny.
What Next for Darwin Nunez?
With Jurgen Klopp departing at season's end and new manager Arne Slot expected to take charge, Nunez faces an uncertain future at Liverpool. The incoming boss will need to assess whether the Uruguayan can rediscover his scoring touch or if the club should consider cutting their losses on their record signing.
For now, Nunez has two remaining Premier League fixtures against Tottenham and Wolves to break his drought before attention turns to what could be a pivotal summer for his Anfield career.
