Liverpool head coach Arne Slot praised forward Darwin Nunez for his incredible work ethic while outlining the room for improvement. Nunez scored the match-winning goal against RB Leipzig in the Champions League game for Liverpool to secure a 0-1 victory.

Nunez has struggled to receive significant game time under Slot as the Dutchman used less rotation policy earlier this season. Slot used Portuguese forward Diogo Jota as the primary number nine ahead of Nunez due to his natural goalscoring abilities.

Jota is the second-best finisher in the squad behind Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah but struggles with overall influence in play. Meanwhile, Nunez has struggled with criticism for missing easy chances and failing to avoid offside traps due to poor concentration.

Nevertheless, the Uruguay international enjoys the support of the Liverpool fanbase and contributes immensely to the overall play for Liverpool. The 25-year-old works hard off the ball and provides strong linkup play with his teammates during the buildup in possession.

Speaking to the media (via Express), Slot outlined where Nunez has room for improvement to help Liverpool further amid Jota’s recent injury. He said:

 “I think he’s put a lot of effort in and that’s the first thing you can ask of a player and it was also nice of him to score a goal against Leipzig. He scored a goal, which was vital, but his work-rate was also really good and I think he’s not played that many games with us. So with him there is, like the others, room for improvement in co-operation with some of the other players, but that’s normal. He’s very good and it’s pleasing to see that after a difficult start – because Diogo played so much for us – Darwin performed well against Chelsea and Leipzig”

The current season is a make-or-break season for Nunez at Liverpool as he has reached the peak year of his career. Nunez enjoys formidable support despite facing undesired toxicity in social media that has forced him to retaliate in the past.

However, no one can change the new norm even if the norm is terrible as social media has far-reaching influence. Like every footballer, Nunez needs to find mental resilience and work his way around such toxicity to fulfil his potential.

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Rest assured, the Uruguayan could unlock himself like Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate have under Slot. The new style of play could help improve the Uruguayan’s composure and concentration with more emphasis on patience and control.