While Liverpool’s overall performance has been encouraging, Nunez faces a challenging situation under Arne Slot as the Uruguayan forward has found himself on the bench in recent games, sparking concerns about his role in the team. He has got just 32 minutes cumulatively in the first three matches and Owen acknowledged that Nunez might be feeling anxious about his lack of playing time.
“With Slot coming in, he has to choose three players out of five for the attacking positions, so whoever doesn’t start is going to feel downhearted,” he said.
“You could say that Darwin Nunez isn’t in his starting XI plans but anything can happen with injuries and suspensions during the season. All of a sudden he can’t be left out and he goes on a run of starting 10 games on the spin. You do need a lot of players and Liverpool will be keen not to have any discontent in the ranks, of course, because it’s been a good start to the season.
“People can jump to quick conclusions when new managers come in and all of a sudden think that you won’t ever be playing games, and I suppose Nunez is of an age where he won’t be wanting to spend loads of time on the bench as well. So I think it’s one to watch really. But it’s not like Jurgen Klopp played him every week. He was on the bench a little bit as well prior to this. So I’m sure he’s feeling a little bit anxious, but I don’t think he needs to just yet. He needs to see how the first few months play out.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool will be looking to continue with their rich vein of form when Premier League action resumes after the international break with Nottingham Forest set to visit Anfield on September 14.