Uruguayan media were united in their verdict on Darwin Nunez's biggest problem after he was hauled off at half-time during his country's World Cup draw with Saudi Arabia. Nunez, who is being linked with a stunning return to Liverpool, was named in the starting XI that produced a lacklustre first-half showing against Saudi, who went ahead through Abdulelah Al-Amri on 41 minutes in Miami.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa made changes at the break, withdrawing the ineffective Nunez alongside Matias Vina. The tweaks worked as Uruguay were transformed in the second period, putting the Saudis under sustained pressure before eventually levelling through Maxi Araujo on 80 minutes.
As for Nunez, who may well have to settle for a spot on the bench when Uruguay take on Cape Verde in their next game, his lack of sharpness and influence was attributed to his limited playing time at Al Hilal, the club he joined from Liverpool last summer.
Following a troubled start to his stint in the Saudi Pro League, Nunez was reportedly left disheartened when Al-Hilal brought in Karim Benzema, pushing him further down the pecking order. Nunez is now a free agent after his contract was mutually terminated.
El Observador said it "he showed the effects of the lack of competition he had suffered throughout the year." The publication was considerably harsher about the team's first half display, branding it "restricted, restrained, cautious, timid and harmless" and bemoaning "two dropped points" despite a "radically changed" approach in the second period.
La Diaria adopted a similar stance, noting: "Both [Nunez and Vina] players left the pitch with the feeling that they lacked match fitness and competitive edge." It added: "Nunez, as we know, because he had been out of action for too long."
Meanwhile, La Pais handed Nunez a meagre rating of 4/10. However, once more, some allowance was made for his limited influence. The outlet said: "The striker received little support, which meant he didn't have the desired impact in the Saudi Arabian penalty area, although his movement did create space for [Federico] Vinas. He didn't come out for the second half."
The supporters' rating application on La Pais delivered a comparable judgement, with the majority of voters awarding him a rating of 4/10 or 5/10 or lower.
Nunez's exit from Al-Hilal has sparked speculation linking him with a return to the Premier League, with Uruguayan outlet Carve Deportiva suggesting he could head back to Anfield. Nevertheless, any comeback appears unlikely despite Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury, while Fabrizio Romano has also dismissed the claim.
