Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has named Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez as his “flop of the season” in a brutal appraisal of the striker’s contributions on the field this term.
The Uruguayan’s form has been mixed during his third campaign on Merseyside, with the 25-year-old having scored six goals, while providing as many assists in 37 outings in all competitions. Nunez’s record coming into the season had already divided opinion among observers, with his detractors having often criticized his strike rate.
As things stand, the former Benfica attacker could be on course for his worst return in front of goal since completing his move to Merseyside. With four goals in the Premier League this season, he finds himself behind Diogo Jota and even winger Luis Diaz in Arne Slot’s thoughts when it comes to the center-forward position.
Among those who have been left unimpressed with Nunez’ form across the 2024-25 campaign is ex-United striker Yorke, who went as far as to refer to the Reds ace as the “flop of the season”. Speaking to casinobeats.com, he presented the following case: “I was expecting a big season from Darwin Nunez, but he hasn’t delivered, that’s why he’s my flop of the season.
“From a striker’s point of view, he’s got all the attributes. I really rate the kid, but for some reason they’re not getting the best out of him at Liverpool, he continued, as he pointed the finger at those in the dugout for Nunez’s perceived struggles. “So, he will probably be the one that is a big disappointment to me because I see so much better in him.
The retired Old Trafford hero is also convinced that some tactical tweaks from Liverpool boss Slot could be the key to getting the best out of the under-fire star. He suggested: “It’s frustrating if you’re a coach and certainly at Liverpool, you’re kind of frustrated with where you are because he should be bulldozing his way through that and scoring on a regular basis.
(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
“When you’re playing with inverted wingers, it’s not playing to his strengths. If you play with inverted wingers then balls are coming in, you’ve got play one-twos, he’s got to move. It’s not really his game – although he can do that – but if you get balls coming into the box, he’s likely to punish you a little bit more.”
Despite Yorke’s assertions, Reds helmsman Slot appeared to be content with Nunez’s contributions as a substitute against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in midweek. The Uruguayan was introduced from the bench in the second half at Parc des Princes and provided an assist for Harvey Elliott’s dramatic winner on the night.
The former Feyenoord head coach said of his striker’s efforts: A big moment for [Harvey Elliott]. He is in competition for players that I hardly take off. So, he has to do it with limited playing time but he just keeps on going
“But it wasn’t only Harvey, it was also the one who assisted, Darwin, who came from a difficult two games but was absolutely there again tonight because from the moment he came in we were more of a threat than before.”
