Steve McManaman has implored one Liverpool player to ‘get up into shape’ after what he witnessed from him during their Champions League clash against Bologna.
In the only change to the starting XI from last weekend’s win over Wolves, Darwin Nunez came in for Diogo Jota at centre-forward, although that swap was reversed after an hour tonight.
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Speaking on co-commentary for TNT Sports, the former Reds winger cut the 25-year-old some slack but still wants to see more from the number 9.
McManaman said (via BBC Sport, 21:20): “He’s still young, inexperienced, doesn’t know the language but he’ll have to get up into shape as soon as he can.”
READ MORE: (Video) Catch me if you can: Gravenberch bamboozles Bologna with wonderfully mazy dribble
As much as we all want Nunez to succeed, tonight’s match was one which unfortunately passed him by after Slot gave him his chance in the starting line-up.
During his hour on the pitch against Bologna, the Uruguayan completed just four of his 12 passes (33%), lost five of his seven duels, directed two shots off target, was caught offside once and gave away the ball 11 times (Sofascore).
He’s now had just over 300 minutes of action this season and still has just the one goal to show for it (Transfermarkt), a return which’ll need to improve if he’s to consistently start ahead of Jota.
It wasn’t Nunez’s night on this occasion, but we know that the Uruguayan can torment oppositon defences when he’s at his best, which hopefully he will be when he next takes to the pitch for Liverpool.
From the man who sold his liverpool soul for spanish gold, and cost liverpool millions😣
I have never really liked McManaman.
I remember when Oldham played Liverpool at home midweek and Oldham beat them 3-0.
We stayed after to get autographs as the LFC players were boarding the bus and I had my young nephew and 2 sons (all under 8) with me. They had OAFC scarves on and as the players went to board the bus every player and even staff, gave their autograph to us and a couple of other young lads. All except McManaman, who took one look at the scarves and totally ignored everyone who was stood there. He was definitely sulking because they lost. What a sore loser and he set a bad example to the youngsters.
Ray Houghton on the other hand was a true Professional and Gentleman and asked everyone if they had got an autograph.
I also never really forgave Michael Owen for going to Real Madrid, and then he made it even worse when he went to United.
Both supposedly scousers through & through yet not a patch on Stevie G. Hope TAA stays, like him.
Nunez is still a raw talent and could do with learning off an old Pro like Rush.
He needs to get on a scoring spree and then he will come good.
Maybe loan him out for a bit to a lesser foreign league where it’s easier to score. Send him to the French, German,Scottish, or even back to Portugal.
To be number one at Liverpool F.C. you must outshine otherwise or on the bench or at the patience of Mr. Slot. Patience he (Mr. Slot) have a lot, but some day this will diminish by time. I, as a Liverpool supporter, hate to see a player like you shine with your country and in difficulty with Liverpool. So, please plug up COURAGE and show the REAL Liverpool player you are.