Ryan Babel: Núñez Needs More to Shine at Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Attacking Dilemma: Darwin Núñez and the Search for Striker Support

Núñez’s Performance Review

Darwin Núñez, Liverpool’s headline signing from Benfica in 2022, has become a focal point of discussion as he nears the completion of his second season at Anfield. Despite an impressive tally of 18 goals and 13 assists, the Uruguayan striker’s recent seven-match goal drought has coincided with Liverpool’s stumbles both in the Europa League and the Premier League, raising questions about the depth and efficacy of Liverpool’s attacking options.

Insights from Ryan Babel

Ryan Babel, a former Liverpool forward, sheds light on the situation with a perspective that only an insider could offer. He believes the team’s recent challenges highlight a critical need for reinforcements. “I do think Liverpool will need to strengthen up-front, regardless of whether or not Mo Salah stays at the club,” Babel told Ladbrokes Fanzone. He added, “Every game they create so many chances, but they also miss a lot of them. I’d like to see someone a little more clinical in those situations, in that number nine position.”

Babel’s analysis points to a gap that Núñez alone might not fill—suggesting that despite his potential, Núñez might benefit from the support of a more established striker to ease the scoring burden.

Núñez’s Growth and Potential

Since arriving from Portugal, Núñez has shown considerable growth, adapting to the physicality and pace of English football. “Darwin Núñez has improved a lot, when you look at the player who arrived two years ago, versus the player Liverpool have today. He’s understood that there are different rules in England to Portugal,” Babel observes.

However, despite these improvements, the comparison to Liverpool’s illustrious striking history is daunting. Strikers like Luis Suárez, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler have set high benchmarks that Núñez aspires to reach. According to Babel, “Núñez does have the potential, but I feel like that final 20 per cent still needs to come out of him, before he’s close to being in the same category as those guys.”

Time and Patience: A Striker’s Journey

The trajectory of a striker’s career can vary significantly, with some players peaking later than others. Babel uses Didier Drogba’s career to illustrate this point: “If I remember right, was Didier Drogba not 26 when he signed for Chelsea? So, with that in mind, it’s worth remembering that some players just need a longer time before they eventually reach their prime, and maybe Núñez’s prime is at 27 or 28… whether he gets the time at Liverpool is another question.”

To conclude, Babel strongly advocates for the acquisition of an experienced striker to complement Núñez. “I’d like an established striker to come in and take some of that pressure off Darwin Núñez; someone who already understands what it means to play for a top team like Liverpool.”

As Liverpool looks to bolster their attacking line, the blend of Núñez’s youthful zeal with the savvy of a seasoned striker could well be the formula that reinvigorates their front line, ensuring that the Reds remain contenders on all fronts.