Liverpool star Darwin Nunez helped Liverpool beat Fulham in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final despite facing media scrutiny
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez helped in a comeback win over Fulham despite facing an active witch-hunt from the media. The 24-year-old continuously faces scrutiny from pundits and social media for not producing enough output despite the stats showing otherwise.
Liverpool beat Fulham 2-1 in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals at Anfield after going behind in the first-half. The visitors opened the account in the 19th minute with a clinical finish from experienced winger Willian.
The Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp made astute tactical changes in the second half, bringing in Cody Gakpo and Nunez. The Fulham defence immediately felt the presence of the Uruguayan international with his chaotic attacking prowess and determination.
Darwin provided an assist for Curtis Jones’ equalizer during the 68th minute of the game. Immediately, he provided another assist for Gakpo to put the Reds ahead in the semi-final tie.
Stat-based site OptaJoe used platform X to highlight the impact of Nunez that changed the game in the host’s favour. Since coming on, he had the highest expected goals, xG (0.76) and the most touches in the opposition box (12). Furthermore, Darwin completed the most dribbles (three) and had the joint most shots for a Liverpool player (four).
The 24-year-old took three shots on target (h/t @Squawka_live/X) that required big saves from the Fulham goalkeeper, Bernd Leno. Darwin has contributed with eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions from 30 appearances so far this season.
Despite the constant criticism, he is leading the assist chart at Liverpool, ahead of vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. He has played fewer minutes than the most productive duo that the Reds possess.
The 24-year-old has been a constant threat and most knowledgeable Kopites have praised him for his overall contributions. While criticism about his lack of composure is somewhat correct, he constantly creates chances of his own.
Darwin Núñez for Liverpool against Fulham:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) January 10, 2024
◉ Most touches in opp. box (12)
◉= Most shots (4)
◉= Most shots on target (3)
◉ Most take-ons completed (3)
◉= Most chances created (2)
◉ Most assists (2)
He only came on in the 55th minute. #LIVFUL pic.twitter.com/CJt6gHb4mf
Furthermore, Darwin is never shy of constantly getting into positions where he can score goals. Nevertheless, comparing him with other Premier League strikers is just poor analysis. Darwin continuously plays around the channel and goes down the byline instead of sticking centrally.
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The media has firmly protected Rasmus Hojlund despite him scoring just one goal in the Premier League. The 20-year-old continuously sticks to the central position as a poacher, lacking the ability to create chances on his own.
World-class goal-poacher Erling Haaland has failed to convert many promising chances this season, showcasing a restricted output despite his capabilities. Yet he has never faced criticism for his lack of work ethic and one-dimensional style of play in the dominant Manchester City team.
While we hope Darwin works on his composure, most of the double standards and criticism applied by the media are nonsensical. The 24-year-old has proven his worth time after time and played an essential role in the club’s success this season.
