“Perfect For Us.” – John Barnes Backs Divisive ‘Effervescent’ Liverpool Man | OneFootball

By Leah Bower

Much maligned, sometimes the villain and sometimes the hero, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is never far from being amongst the main talking points at The Reds and last week Dan Clubbe caught up with Anfield legend John Barnes at the LiveScore fan event to get his latest take on the 25-year-old frontman.

Nunez has been on a rollercoaster of success at Liverpool since his signing in 2022, with his missed chances all season to his ecstatic last-minute winners. Despite not knowing a lot of English, he seems to be activated by the chant likening him to a ‘poorer’ Andy Carroll.

However, Barnes, believes Nunez’ is ‘perfect’ for Liverpool, essentially being that bit of fizz under the surface to keep The Reds going.

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On Nunez’ role in the team, Barnes said: “Darwin Nunez is Darwin Nunez.

“He may not be the greatest finisher in terms of the chances, but in terms of what he gives us, other people can’t give us.

“He’ll score the odd goal, but he works hard, he brings people into play, he’s effervescent.

“For what Darwin Nunez gives us, it’s good enough for us.”

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On Nunez criticism: “People always want more, so therefore, if Trent (Alxander-Arnold) could defend better, wouldn’t that be great? If Mo (Salah) would chase back and defend, or if Jordan Henderson had more of what Steven Gerrard had.

“We want perfection in our players.

“But in terms of what [Nunez] gives us in terms of work rate, he chips in with goals, and he gives us so much.”

On a change in the system around Nunez: “It has to be the type of football to suit you.

“Maybe the way Jurgen has suited him more, because Arne wants more of a technical player, a slower build-up, for what more people can link into play.”

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On whether his confidence has been a problem: “He comes on with two minutes and he gives you that.

“I think he’s very confident, even when he misses a chance, he doesn’t hide, and he goes there again.

“With more confidence, he’ll probably finish the chances, but he is what he is.”

On what Nunez can keep giving Liverpool: “I don’t think you can ask any more of Darwin Nunez whatsoever.

“Look at his age now, the amount of times he’s been around, he’s not a 17/18-year-old kid, so I don’t think he’s ever going to be more clinical than he is.

“You’ve seen what you get, and for me, that’s good enough for Liverpool.

“He’s not necessarily going to be the first name on the team sheet, but if you look at the way he responds when he actually comes on, and in a squad situation you need players like that who are going to come on and give you that, without sulking.

“Even if he’s getting a stick from the fans, and the fans aren’t giving him stick, but in terms of this situation, I think he’s perfect for us.”

Redmen Reacts

I think John Barnes has perfectly explained the reality of what we need Nunez to be now. He hasn’t hit that expectation of the world-class striker we hoped he’d be, but he does have that impact off the bench to get the goals in the games where we need that chaos to confuse defensive lines that have been solid for 80 minutes. It feels that just when fans have him boxed up and are ready to sell him, he manages to rip himself out of the packaging to be loved all over again.