Slot must sell 6/10 dud who’s “not a Liverpool player”

Liverpool superior to the fourth spherical of the FA Cup with a complete 4-0 victory over lowly Accrington Stanley, with Arne Slot tasting victory for the primary time in 2025.

Whereas the Reds have been imperious of their performances this season, a Premier League draw in opposition to Manchester United preceded a depressing first-leg defeat to Tottenham Hotspur of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.

To have been stumped as soon as once more at Anfield this afternoon would have been a calamity, however Slot’s much-changed aspect nonetheless wanted to beat their opponent’s physicality and get the job finished.

It was a giant alternative for some. Rio Ngumoha, 16, confirmed his precocious high quality, however it was Harvey Elliott who was maybe the most important winner on the afternoon.

Harvey Elliott stakes his declare

Accrington Stanley is likely to be struggling in League Two, however there’s one thing concerning the FA Cup, it ekes out high quality unknown to these lower-down outfits when pitted in opposition to giants.

However Elliott placated the giant-killing beast, with The Athletic’s James Pearce hailing the 21-year-old’s “good” efficiency. It has been a tricky marketing campaign for the playmaker, fracturing his foot in September and thus languishing on the fringes of the Slot undertaking.

Elliott’s position has been so peripheral that he is been at the centre of transfer rumours linking him with Brighton & Hove Albion and even Borussia Dortmund in Germany. In equity, if he would not earn alternatives, the diminutive ace can be justified in wishing to maneuver away, such is his immense expertise.

Liverpool should hold him on the books, permitting him to bloom below Slot’s wing. The identical, nevertheless, cannot be mentioned for Darwin Nunez, who have to be sweating over his place after one other efficiency that left loads to be desired.

Why Slot should promote Darwin Nunez

Nunez continues to frustrate. He missed two nice alternatives this afternoon whereas showcasing the drive and tenacity that speaks of his ambition and dedication to achieve a Liverpool shirt.

Certainly, membership legend Robbie Fowler even claimed that the extra he watches the previous Benfica man, the extra he believes the striker is “not a Liverpool participant”.

The issue, nevertheless, is that Nunez is failing to show himself because the centre-forward that Slot’s system wants. The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle gave him a 6/10 match rating, acknowledging his endeavour and work in establishing Diogo Jota’s opening objective, however is it sufficient?

That is now 4 targets and 4 assists apiece throughout 26 appearances this season, marking a regression in output since Jurgen Klopp left Merseyside.

Whereas FSG have extra urgent switch priorities, there isn’t any query that the din surrounding Nunez’s place within the staff is getting louder and louder, particularly with latest stories revealing that the Uruguayan has been knowledgeable that he wants to enhance, lest he be formally transfer-listed and focus be positioned on shopping for a successor.

It might have already began. As per Football Insider, sporting director Richard Hughes would contemplate accepting bids within the £60m ballpark for Liverpool’s file signing.

The 25-year-old will not need this to occur, can be determined to show his price. That mentioned, Jota scored and Chiesa opened his account for the membership after an injury-hit begin to his Liverpool profession. May he be within the technique of leapfrogging his fellow frontliner?

Liverpool will certainly really feel that they’ll do higher, and should search to money in on Nunez for the most effective worth attainable.

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