Merson urges Liverpool to start this star for tactical advantage

Arsenal legend Paul Merson advised Liverpool head coach Arne Slot to play forward Darwin Nunez over Diogo Jota against Bournemouth. Nunez has not started a single game in the new season as Liverpool plays their sixth game in all competitions.

Slot preferred Jota over Nunez as the Uruguayan joined the club late after fulfilling his obligations with the national team. Uruguay finished third in the Copa America competition with Nunez scoring two goals for his national team in the tournament.

The 25-year-old has suffered from constant criticism during his tenure at Liverpool since joining from Benfica under Jurgen Klopp. While some criticisms are justified and based on his poor composure in front of the goal, others are downright hate-driven narratives.

Paul Merson urged Liverpool to play Darwin Nunez over Diogo Jota against Bournemouth

The situation forced Nunez to private his Instagram account recently after the loss against Nottingham Forest last weekend at Anfield. The majority of Liverpool fans are concerned about the mental well-being of the Uruguayan and have supported him so far.

However, the best place for Nunez to retaliate is within the pitch by fulfilling his immense talent and contributing consistently. Despite the criticisms, the 25-year-old has 33 goals and 17 assists from 100 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.

While writing his Matchday 5 predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson claimed that the Reds should play Nunez over Jota against Bournemouth. He said:

“I would also play Darwin Nunez instead of Diogo Jota in this game. When teams sit back, which I think Bournemouth will do, Nunez is a good option. If Liverpool play Nunez, they can ping crosses into him and that could work in their favour.”

🔴🇺🇾 Arne Slot: “For sure Darwin Nunez will get his chance in the near future. We play a lot of games. He's fitter and fitter now”

“But he's in competition with Diogo Jota who in our and my opinion, has done really well in the last games”. pic.twitter.com/9oyP2DJQ0s
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 20, 2024

Despite enjoying praise from Slot, Jota has struggled to contribute consistently for Liverpool despite starting every game so far. The Portuguese international made 49 touches in the last two games against AC Milan and Nottingham Forest in 128 minutes.

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The more Slot opts against using Nunez, the more football fans and pundits will question the Uruguayan’s future at Liverpool. Rest assured, this season is the make-or-break season for Nunez to prove his naysayers wrong and his supporters right.