Robbie Fowler Offers Brutal Verdict on Darwin Nunez’s Struggles | OneFootball

Robbie Fowler Questions Darwin Nunez’s Decision-Making at Liverpool

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has delivered a frank assessment of Darwin Nunez following his costly miss against Aston Villa, questioning whether the striker truly understands the fundamentals of the game.

Miss Against Aston Villa Raises Fresh Doubts

Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Villa Park on February 19 should have been a moment to tighten their grip on the Premier League title race. Instead, it became another chapter in the frustrating enigma that is Darwin Nunez.

His glaring miss in the 78th minute—blazing Dominik Szoboszlai’s cutback over the bar from just seven yards—was the latest in a series of high-profile blunders that have left Liverpool fans exasperated. Brought on as a second-half substitute to provide fresh impetus, the Uruguayan instead squandered the club’s best chance to take all three points.

Arne Slot later reflected on the moment, stating that Szoboszlai’s decision to pass rather than shoot presented “an open goal chance.” But Nunez’s rushed left-footed attempt lacked the clinical edge expected from an £85 million striker.

Saudi Interest Grows as Liverpool Consider Future

With his struggles in front of goal continuing, speculation over Nunez’s long-term future at Anfield is gathering pace. During the January transfer window, Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr lodged two formal bids for the 24-year-old, the second exceeding £62 million. Talks had advanced significantly, with personal terms reportedly agreed, but Liverpool ultimately decided against the move due to concerns over finding an adequate mid-season replacement.

That decision may yet be revisited this summer, with Liverpool still in pursuit of silverware but needing greater consistency from their frontline. Nunez’s raw ability is undeniable, but patience is wearing thin as his high-energy performances remain undermined by wayward finishing and erratic decision-making.

Fowler’s Scathing Verdict on Nunez’s Struggles

Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler did not hold back in his assessment of Nunez’s struggles, suggesting that the forward’s biggest issue is his lack of awareness on the pitch.

Photo: IMAGO

“People worry about Darwin Nunez because he doesn’t think about the game enough,” Fowler said.

“If you’re struggling for confidence, you’ve got to go back to basics, you’ve got to get the ball, you’ve got to touch it, and you’ve got to like give it five yards [away].

“You don’t look and dally on the ball, waiting for someone to make a run so you can play in an unbelievable pass – play the simple things.”

“You always need to go back to basics and do the simplicity of being a footballer, what got you into the position of being a professional footballer.”

Fowler didn’t shy away from criticising the miss itself, calling it one of the worst of the season.

“And it’s a bad miss, it’s a really bad miss, probably up there with one of the worst we’ve seen this year,” he added.

“I’ll try and help him out a little bit by saying Szoboszlai maybe should have shot himself, but you know, he’s played a great ball to him and he’s missed the target, criminally, from seven/eight yards – that can’t be happening.”

What Next for Nunez?

Liverpool fans have shown remarkable patience with Nunez, appreciating his relentless work rate and ability to create chaos in opposition defences. However, as Fowler pointed out, football is ultimately a results-driven business. If a forward isn’t finishing the chances he’s given, questions will inevitably be asked.

With summer approaching and potential suitors ready to reignite their interest, Liverpool have a major decision to make. Do they persist with Nunez, hoping his raw talent eventually translates into reliability? Or do they cut their losses and reinvest in a more clinical presence up front?