Liverpool boss Arne Slott has challenged Darwin Nunez to prove he is an elite striker as the much-maligned Uruguayan looks to capitalize on Diogo Jota’s recent injury.
Slott revealed on Monday that Jota will be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a muscle injury during Liverpool’s draw with Nottingham Forest on January 14.
The Portuguese striker’s absence provides Nunez with another chance to finally prove his worth, starting with Tuesday’s Champions League tie against French side Lille at Anfield.
Nunez has struggled to win over Slott and his predecessor Jurgen Klopp since signing from Benfica for a potential £85 million ($104 million) transfer fee in 2022.
The 25-year-old gave a glimpse of his potential when he scored twice in stoppage time to give Liverpool a dramatic 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
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But it was his first top-flight goal since November and he has scored just six times in all competitions this season.
“I think it’s not the first time Darwin have been in a situation like this when Jota is out,” Slaughter told reporters on Monday.
“But he’s in a good position because he scored two goals against Brentford. We have four forwards who are fit to start and Darwin is one of them.
“Certainly, if Darwin gets injured, especially if the No. 9 gets injured, that increases Darwin’s chances of getting more playing time.”
Slott admitted recently that he was finding it difficult to get the best out of a young talent who was hailed as the brightest in the world during his time at Benfica.
“A good challenge”
Slaughter urged Nunez to prove he is worthy of such publicity, adding: “The hardest thing in football is finding consistency, both as a team and as an individual. Only a few players are able to achieve that every few days. same level.
“There’s also a big group of guys who can play well, but not every time. He’s in that group. We have one or two guys who are of the highest standard. It’s a good challenge for him. “
If Liverpool can avoid losing to Lille, they can reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Reds have won all six of their league stage games and sit three points clear at the top of the table.
Despite some recent fluctuations, Liverpool remain six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank labeled them the best team in the world, but while he was flattered by the praise, Slaughter insisted it was too early to pay such a glowing tribute.
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“I think it’s too early to say that. The format of the Champions League is different,” he said.
“We have to face a lot of teams. Can we judge the Champions League standings? It’s very difficult. But it’s always nice to get compliments.”
Slott also said that it does not matter whether Liverpool can finish at the top of the league because it does not guarantee that their opponents in the top 16 will be easy.
“With this strange new format, I don’t think about the league table in one way: if you finish first, you get the easiest team,” he said.
“PSG is a lower quality team but faces probably the toughest team in every game. Maybe if you end up in first place you can face them.”
