Matthew Upson slams Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez for Uruguay performance against Portugal

Former England defender Matthew Upson while speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live (h/t BBC Sport) has criticised Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez for his performance as Uruguay lost to Portugal, making it extremely tough for them to proceed to the next round.

Nunez had an average showing against South Korea but was expected to lead the line for the South American country in what was a pivotal game for the team.

However, he failed to truly lay his mark on the game and was rather uninspiring and rightly subbed off past the hour mark. This was after a rather subdued performance against South Korea, where they drew 0-0.

Nunez lost possession thirteen times (Statman Dave) and Upson certainly was not impressed with the player’s performance.

“I’ve been disappointed with Darwin Nunez tonight. He hasn’t brought the energy and movement that Uruguay desperately need so I’m not surprised he’s been replaced.”

Portugal were missing their first-choice defender Danilo due to injury and 39-year-old veteran Pepe had to step in his place. However, the Liverpool forward was unable to cause any serious trouble to the Portuguese backline, which certainly did not boast pace as a matter of fact.

With the loss, it means Uruguay are currently bottom of the group with one point and face a do-or-die encounter with Ghana hopefully the game lives up to the expectations set recalling the last time the two teams met.

They would also have to be hopeful that South Korea does not beat Portugal, which is a big possibility looking at the upsets that have already occurred at the ongoing tournament.

For Nunez, it provides the last chance to redeem himself after two average performances and help his team to fight for a chance to go to the next round. After a rocky start to the season, a disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign would be devastating for a player who has had a tough time adjusting to the new league.

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Hopefully, he has his shooting boots on and brings on a moment of excellence, just like his fellow teammate and former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez did with the same opposition twelve years back.