On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Whoscored stat revealed the positives and negatives that Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has brought to the side under Arne Slot. The Uruguayan international has struggled to receive significant game time this season, with Slot preferring other players over him.
Slot has deployed Diogo Jota as the preferred number nine and has also employed Luis Diaz as a makeshift false nine. Furthermore, the Dutch boss used the combination of Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai as the rotating forward for tactical reasons.
Nunez is currently playing in the third season at Liverpool since signing from Benfica under former legendary manager Jurgen Klopp. While the fans have unconditionally supported the 25-year-old, media and social networks have criticised his propensity to miss clear chances.
However, the Uruguayan has still produced some decent contributions with 39 goals and 22 assists from 132 games for Liverpool. Furthermore, the 25-year-old has scored several key match-winning goals during his tenure at the club.
According to Whoscored (via X), Nunez has made more tackles (17) and committed more fouls (22) than he has had shots on target (10) in the Premier League for Liverpool this season. The stat showcases that the 25-year-old has worked hard but continues to struggle in front of the goal.
Recently, Nunez missed a golden opportunity to score the winner against Aston Villa in the Premier League away clash. Slot rightfully criticized the Uruguayan for dropping his work ethic due to disappointment while shunning the impact of the miss.
While Nunez have struggled with finishing, he has enjoyed plenty of chances in the past, unlike this season. The stats also highlight the level of trust both Nunez and his teammates have in him to score goals.
While Nunez remains a debatable topic in the social media, there is a huge probability of the Uruguayan leaving Liverpool. With the persistent injury issues hounding Jota throughout his tenure at the club, the Reds lack a proper number nine.
More must-reads:
- Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba suspended for skipping MLS All-Star Game
- Los Angeles FC's shrewd transfer moves could make it a contender for MLS trophies
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Arne Slot explains why Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez weren’t in Liverpool matchday squad v AC Milan
Arne Slot has explained why Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez weren’t in Liverpool’s matchday squad for their defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong today. The Reds boss handed game-time to 21 different players at Kai Tak Sports Park, with a mixture of youth and experience in his starting XI, but the South American duo were conspicuous by their absence from the team sheet. The Colombian has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a potential transfer to Bayern Munich, who are expected to submit a follow-up offer for the 28-year-old to the tune of €75m (£65.5m), according to Ben Jacobs. Slot explains why Diaz and Nunez didn’t play against Milan As per Lewis Steele and James Pearce on X, Slot explained in his post-match press conference why Nunez and Diaz didn’t feature for Liverpool against AC Milan, with two rather different reasons provided by the head coach. The Uruguayan’s absence was simply attributed to a minor fitness issue, but the answer regarding our number 7 was eye-catching, with the 46-year-old telling reporters that the Colombian was omitted due to the ongoing speculation over his future at Anfield. Is the writing on the wall for Diaz after Slot’s candid admission? Liverpool haven’t been taking any chances with players nursing injury issues this month, with Joe Gomez being sent home from the pre-season tour for treatment on Merseyside and Federico Chiesa not even boarding the plane to Asia last weekend. It therefore comes as no great surprise that Nunez – himself linked with a potential exit from the Reds – wasn’t risked against AC Milan, and hopefully he might feature in Wednesday’s match against Yokohama F. Marinos if he’s deemed fit enough to play. However, for Slot to openly admit that he left Diaz out because of transfer speculation was quite candid from the Dutchman, and it’ll inevitably cast further doubt over the future of our number 7. The signing of Hugo Ekitike and ongoing rumoured interest in Alexander Isak has intensified competition for a starting berth in Liverpool’s forward line, and the dazzling performances of Rio Ngumoha in pre-season might even be giving the head coach some food for thought. The 46-year-old’s post-match comments will certainly have piqued the interest of Bayern Munich chiefs, who might now feel increasingly confident of getting their man after his no-show in Hong Kong today.
Ruben Amorim’s luxury was once a necessity for Man Utd managers and this change was long overdue
Why as many as 100 NFL players are facing fines and potential suspension
There is not a bigger sporting event in North America than the Super Bowl, and tickets are only getting more expensive every year. There is also a ridiculous secondary market for tickets where seats sell for well above the original face value. It is usually fans or ticket resellers going for a quick profit. But as was reported on Friday, sometimes it can be players in the NFL looking to make a profit. According to multiple reports, including the Associated Press and ESPN, more than 100 players are facing fines and potential suspensions for selling their allotment of tickets to this year's Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs for above face value. Players are reportedly facing fines of one-and-a-half times the face value they originally paid for the tickets, while they are also prevented from purchasing tickets to the Super Bowl for the next seasons. The Associated Press obtained a memo from the NFL detailing the violation and investigation. That memo was as follows: “Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL Clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of the Policy. This long-standing League Policy, which is specifically incorporated into the Collective Bargaining Agreement, prohibits League or Club employees, including players, from selling NFL game tickets acquired from their employer for more than the ticket’s face value or for an amount greater than the employee originally paid for the ticket, whichever is less. We are in the process of completing our investigation into this matter, but the investigation has revealed that club employees and players sold their tickets to a small number of ‘bundlers’ who were working with a ticket reseller to sell the Super Bowl tickets above face value.” If players are not willing to pay the fine, they could be facing suspension from the league. It seems unlikely that any of the players — none of whom have been named, or their teams — would refuse to pay such a fine. It's also one of those moments where you can say, professional athletes — they're still normal people trying to make a quick buck. The most logical answer here is perhaps some of the players caught up in this are younger players who have not yet struck it rich on a big contract or perhaps even practice squad players who are not making top dollar.
Important Trade Stalls as Maple Leafs Dangle Bottom-Six Forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking for a solution to their bottom-six surplus, and veteran forward Calle Järnkrok remains at the center of trade discussions. Unfortunately, according to The Fourth Period, trade talks surrounding the 33-year-old winger have failed to gain momentum. They write: “He has a $2.1M cap hit and owns a 10-team no-trade list. The market hasn’t been vibrant, to this point, but the Leafs will continue to dangle him.” Why Can’t the Maple Leafs Find a Taker For Jarnkrok? Järnkrok has quietly been on the trade block for much of the offseason, but general manager Brad Treliving has yet to find a taker. After adding several depth forwards this summer, the Leafs now face a crowded bottom six—and Järnkrok’s age, injury history, and $2.1 million cap hit through 2025–26 aren’t helping his value. Since joining Toronto, Järnkrok has appeared in only 71 games over two seasons, scoring a modest 28 points. While his defensive versatility and penalty-killing ability are assets, his declining offensive production and durability concerns have made teams wary. With training camp approaching, the Maple Leafs may be forced to keep Järnkrok on the roster—or retain salary in a deal—if they want to create space and flexibility. Dropping his cap hit down to just over $1 million would open up the market a little. Until then, the Swedish forward remains a trade candidate in limbo. This isn’t great news as moving Jarnkrok from the roster is an important item on the team’s to-do list. Treliving would like more cap space, and with Jarnkrok and David Kampf both still on the roster, it hampers the GM’s ability to do other things.
Aaron Boone Makes Feelings Clear After Yankees’ Big Trade
The New York Yankees didn't come into the season with the strongest third base situation, and it only got worse over time. They converted traditional second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the hot corner after getting him at the Trade Deadline last season and installed a timeshare with him, DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, and Oswaldo Cabrera there in 2025. However, the latter player broke his ankle on May 12, and the Yankees released the now 37-year-old LeMahieu on July 10. Chisholm was primarily back at second at that point, so this left Peraza and Jorbit Vivas as their only true remaining third basemen. With Peraza hitting .147 and Vivas hitting .164, it was clear what the team's biggest need was. That's why it acquired veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday. New York manager Aaron Boone gave his thoughts about the 30-year-old before Friday's bout with the Philadelphia Phillies, via SNY. "I know there's real offensive potential there. I know he's had real offensive success, as well as some struggles there over the last calendar year or two," he said. "It seems like over the last month he's really started swinging the bat like he's capable of. He can impact the ball, he can control the strike zone, he's had some swing-and-misses that have probably hurt him a little bit." "But then he can really defend over there," he continued. "The handful of times that we've played against them that I watch him, you're like, 'That's what it should look like over there.' He moves really well and has that prototypical good third base thing." McMahon is slashing .217/.314/.403 with 16 homers and 35 RBI over 100 games this season. He also has a .978 fielding percentage and six errors. Right-handed pitcher Will Warren (6-5, 4.91 ERA) will start for the Yankees against Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.75 ERA) on Friday.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
