‘Memorable moments but a lack of ruthlessness’published at 09:43 British Summer Time
09:43 BST
Crystal Palace v Liverpool (Sun, 15:00 BST)
Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Darwin Nunez has enjoyed some memorable moments with the Reds, such as January’s match-winning late brace at Brentford, but has struggled to make an impact consistently.
He has scored just 25 Premier League goals, underperforming his expected goals total by 8.6. That is the second-worst record of any player over the past three years, with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin below him.
The league’s best finishers typically register shot conversion rates of over 20%, but Nunez’s percentage of 11.1% ranks only 95th. When it comes to shot accuracy, meaning the proportion of efforts directed on target, he also barely scrapes into the top 100.
There is no lack of volume for the striker, who sits inside the top 10 for both shots and shots on target despite only starting 49 top-flight matches for the Merseysiders.
He has also arguably been unlucky, hitting the woodwork 14 times – the most by any player since 2022-23. But ultimately a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal may have persuaded Liverpool now is the time to cash in on the South American.
Image source, BBC Sport