Liverpool can finally axe Nunez with bid for £70m “monster”

The air of invincibility round Arne Slot‘s Liverpool soured considerably when Fabian Schar arced the ball previous the hapless Caoimhin Kelleher‘s internet, claiming a draw for Newcastle United within the Premier League.

Liverpool’s nine-point lead has been diminished to seven, with Arsenal and Chelsea each profitable after which Manchester Metropolis simply behind.

Slot’s staggering requirements have given rise to title desires, however Liverpool aren’t an ideal crew, and have been confirmed to have chinks at St. James’ Park, a stadium recognized to swallow the mightiest of groups into its maw.

There was at all times going to return some extent when Liverpool would drop factors, however it’s the method of the Reds’ draw that rankles. Mohamed Salah impressed Liverpool as soon as once more, hauling two targets and an help, however Schar’s late riposte was a by-product of lacklustre defending.

The backliners aren’t the one culprits, nevertheless. Darwin Nunez has lengthy polarised the Liverpool and Premier League communities, and sadly, he did his detractors a favour with a woeful show on Tyneside.

How for much longer will Slot preserve him within the combine?

Darwin Nunez continues to frustrate

It has been an attention-grabbing season for Nunez. Although he is solely scored three goals across 18 appearances below Slot’s wing, there is a recent, minimised focus to his tactical function, with headway made in dribble and duel success, for instance.

Nonetheless, the 25-year-old continues to be erratic and lacks the efficiency that his friends like Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and the remaining have honed over time. In a phrase: Nunez leaves loads to be desired, and endured a torrid night in Newcastle.

The distinction between the Uruguayan and Alexander Isak was steep. The place Isak thrived, Nunez toiled; the Swede showcased keen-edged scientific qualities, his counterpart added extra wasted probabilities to the thick catalogue.

Remarkably, Isak’s goal-and-assist efficiency in opposition to Liverpool additionally noticed him win extra duels than Nunez, full 5 key passes to his rivals’ zero and, once more, 5 dribbles to none.

You may’t assist however surprise if Slot watched Isak strut his stuff with a style of bitterness in his mouth, jealous of Eddie Howe‘s quantity 9.

Liverpool will not be breaking the financial institution for a brand new centre-forward this winter, however seem like doing due diligence on an improve up high forward of subsequent summer time.

Liverpool eyeing new striker

Earlier this week, Italian outlet Calciomercato revealed that Liverpool are among the many contenders for Inter Milan ahead Marcus Thuram, who has been in positive fettle since moving to Serie A on a free transfer on the finish of the 2022/23 marketing campaign.

The Frenchman is athletic, pacy and highly effective and has a confirmed monitor file of bringing targets dwelling for his employer, essential in profitable the Scudetto final time period. Nonetheless, monetary points are what they’re and he would fetch a profitable reward for Inter.

Although Inter are keen to barter his sale, they will surely be looking for to show a hefty revenue. Thuram’s launch clause is known to be set at €85m (£70m).

Marcus Thuram could possibly be Slot’s personal Isak

Hailed as a “bodily monster” by journalist Herve Renard, Thuram is dynamic and versatile in regard to positional placement. In actual fact, the Les Bleus star has performed throughout a variety of roles over the length of his profession and could possibly be the proper new weapon to face proud on the entrance of Slot’s system.

It is clear, nevertheless, that his goalscoring feats are greatest realised in a central hanging function, the place he has been solely deployed this season, returning ten goals and six assists throughout solely 17 matches for Nezarruzi.

Aged 27, this is able to be the proper time to deliver Thuram into the combination, particularly on condition that his actions and power would make for a becoming Nunez alternative whereas additionally offering Liverpool with a brand new sense of safety within the focal frontman.

Salah is an unbelievable asset, however Liverpool will come unstuck if counting on the Egyptian to bail them out too many occasions this season.

Sadly, Nunez is into his third marketing campaign on Merseyside now, and it does not appear to be he will attain the free-scoring ranges that clearly have been envisaged. Thuram could be the proper successor, not least as a result of he carries not solely comparable properties to the South American however Isak too.

FBref record Isak to be a striker of comparable likeness to Inter’s attacking titan, along with his scientific edge married to a forward-driven mentality, rating among the many high 18% of forwards throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous yr for progressive carries and the highest 15% for touches within the attacking penalty space per 90.

Newcastle’s predominant man ranks among the top 7% for progressive carries per 90 and the highest 18% for move completion.

Isak is extra energetic in his manufacturing and boasts a greater objective file too. That stated, he is posted simply six targets from 14 matches in 2024/25, albeit hitting good kind in current weeks. Nonetheless, it is a testomony to Thuram’s ranges.

Thuram is maybe extra combative than each Isak and Nunez, for he has not solely gained 56% of his contested duels in Serie A this season, as per Sofascore, however averaged 4.9 per recreation too – which is spectacular for a striker, Nunez averaging 3.40 (39%) whereas Isak 2.40 (28%) per fixture.

He is the true deal, on the peak of his recreation and having developed a style for silverware. Liverpool would rating a winner with this one, and should make sure that they act on their curiosity, ought to the celebrities align, and take the following step of their thrilling growth below Slot.

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0 dribbles, 0 key passes: 4/10 Liverpool man had his worst game under Slot

Arne Slot’s Liverpool dropped factors within the Premier League to see their first-placed lead diminished to seven factors.