Written by Bradley Gibbs.
The off-season is a time full of speculation and transfer talk, and this is especially true when it comes to the big clubs. From a Liverpool point of view, there’s been plenty of talk around whether or not Darwin Nunez will stay or go, with the Uruguayan now being heavily linked with a move abroad.
I took a look at what Nunez has to offer to evaluate whether the Premier League champions should retain the services of Nunez, or let him go.
Nunez’s 2024/25 season in numbers
As Liverpool regained their Premier League title last season, thriving under the stewardship of Arne Slot, several players delivered sizable contributions. Though it’s fair to say that Darwin Nunez wasn’t one of them, with the Uruguayan playing more of a supporting role.
Premier League numbers
Here are Darwin Nunez’s 2024/25 Premier League numbers:
- Five goals in 30 appearances (eight starts)
- Two assists in 30 appearances (eight starts)
- Averaged 0.40 goals per 90 minutes
- Averaged 0.56 goals and assists per 90 minutes
- Averaged 0.46 expected goals per 90 minutes
- Averaged 0.57 expected goals and assists per 90 minutes
- Liverpool’s sixth-best player in terms of goals and assists per 90
- Liverpool’s fifth-best player in terms of shots per 90
- Liverpool’s fourth-best player in terms of shots on target per 90
Numbers in all competitions
Now for Darwin Nunez’s 2024/25 numbers in all competitions:
- Seven goals in 47 appearances (17 starts)
- Five assists in 47 appearances (17 starts)
- Averaged 0.31 goals per 90 minutes
- Averaged 0.52 goals and assists per 90 minutes
- Of all regular players, ranked as Liverpool’s sixth-best player for goals and assists per 90
- Of all regular players, ranked as Liverpool’s fourth-best player for shots per 90
- Of all regular players, ranked as Liverpool’s second-best player for shots on target per 90
Key stats for Liverpool since joining
Finally, Darwin Nunez’s key stats since becoming a Liverpool player:
- 25 Premier League goals in 95 appearances (49 starts)
- 13 Premier League assists in 95 appearances (49 starts)
- Averaging 0.68 goals and assists per 90 minutes (in the Premier League)
- 34 goals in 135 appearances in all competitions (71 starts)
- 22 assists in 135 appearances in all competitions (71 starts)
- Averaging 0.85 goals and assists in all competitions
What exactly does Nunez bring to the table?
It’s quite clear that Nunez is far from the sort of player that Slot is going to build a team around, but does the energetic forward still have a place at the club? For starters, as we can see from the above, his numbers aren’t exactly terrible.
One huge positive to having Nunez as an option is the fact that the 26-year-old plays with serious desire. Let’s be honest, his effort levels can never be questioned. Nunez’s full-tilt attitude is definitely something that teams challenging for multiple trophies need, so the case for keeping him around can definitely be made.
If recent reports are to be believed, it looks likely that Nunez is on his way out. Personally, thanks to his battering-ram approach and clear will to win, I’d keep him around. But hey, I’m not a Premier League winning manager.
Right now, Napoli is considered to be the most likely destination for the Uruguayan, and if you want to get involved in the business of betting where Nunez will start the next season, check out the best sportsbooks at FIRST.com.
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