Ex-Liverpool winger Ryan Babel says Darwin Nunez has a “long way to go” to reach the level of the club’s previous strikers.
The Premier League giants have been blessed with some incredible goalscorers in recent years including Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge.
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But Babel does not feel their current number nine is at the required level to deliver titles to Anfield and the Merseysiders should consider signing another striker to support him in the summer.
Speaking to Ladbrokes Fanzone, he said: “I do think Liverpool will need to strengthen up-front, regardless of whether or not Mo Salah stays at the club.
“Every game they create so many chances, but they also miss a lot of them. I’d like to see someone a little more clinical in those situations, in that number nine position.
Darwin Nunez has missed 26 big chances in the Premier League this season 😩 #MOTD #BBCFOOTBALL #MOTD
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) APRIL 24, 2024
“Darwin Nunez has improved a lot, when you look at the player who arrived two years ago, versus the player Liverpool have today.
“He’s understood that there are different rules in England to Portugal. But he still has a long way to go, especially when you compare him to some of the strikers Liverpool have had over the years… you know, Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler… it’s not an easy job.”
Nunez has scored 11 goals in the top flight this season but has missed a mountain of chances, potentially costing the Reds a shot at the title going into the final few weeks of the campaign.
It has taken him a few seasons to adapt since joining from Benfica but Babel feels there may be a bit too much pressure on the Uruguay international’s shoulders.
“He’s very raw” 👊
Sturridge and Rooney debate what Darwin Nunez should do to improve 👀 PIC.TWITTER.COM/OU2TB01LUN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) APRIL 24, 2024
He added: “Nunez does have the potential, but I feel like that final 20% still needs to come out of him before he’s close to being in the same category as those guys.
“There are many ways you can approach Nunez’s situation; in one breath you might say, ‘OK, he’s had a lot of chances to prove himself’, but at the same time, realistically, not all players are world-class from a young age.
“So, with that in mind, it’s worth remembering that some players just need a longer time before they eventually reach their prime, and maybe Nunez’s prime is at 27 or 28… whether he gets the time at Liverpool is another question.
“I’d like an established striker to come in and take some of that pressure off Darwin Nunez; someone who already understands what it means to play for a top team like Liverpool.”
