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3 Players that can take the next step in 2023-24

By Joseph Copeland

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Stefan Bajcetic of Liverpool and Rodrygo of Real Madrid in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield on February 21, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Stefan Bajcetic of Liverpool and Rodrygo of Real Madrid in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield on February 21, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
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DARWIN NUNEZ:

The electrifying Uruguayan arrived last summer amid great fanfare and a bit of apprehension from some. His big-money move from Portuguese giants Benfica, saw him take a step up in competition as Klopp was beginning to rework his aging attack.

Club legend Sadio Mane had departed for Bayern Munich and there was a massive hole to fill up front. I think part of the problem with this situation was Nunez was never going to be a like-for-like replacement for the Senegalese star.

As it were, with Erling Haaland arriving at Manchester City in the same window, Nunez was expected to hit the ground running. Nunez got off to a dream start on Matchday 1 when he scored and recorded an assist in the opening day draw with Fulham.

It was an electric start to his career and gave fans huge hopes he would kick on from there. Unfortunately, a brash red card in the second match against Crystal Palace saw his momentum stopped before it could really get going. From there, it became a stop-start campaign.

There were moments of brilliance and hints of his explosive abilities throughout, but he could just never string together consistent performances. He was constantly in dangerous areas, but his finishing left a lot to be desired.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 22: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool runs for the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest at Anfield on April 22, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 22: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool runs for the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest at Anfield on April 22, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

Even so, he finished his first year at Anfield with 15 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. A decent return, but short of expectations.

A big reason for hope is a look at his time with Benfica. His first season with the Benfica Senior team saw him bag 14 goals in all competitions. This was followed by the 34 goal explosion that earned him his move to Anfield.

I see a lot of similarities from that to this situation. He should be much more comfortable at the club, and while his work rate has never been in question, he was also a bit unlucky in front of goal last year. I think that could change. Even with Luis Diaz now healthy and Cody Gakpo thriving, Nunez brings an explosion to the field that they cannot match.

With enough consistent playing time, I think he should step up and comfortably surpass the 20 goal threshold.