“As long as he doesn't let the anxiety of a dry spell get to him” - Aguero's advice to help 25-year-old star turn his fortunes around at Liverpool
Former striker Sergio Aguero has urged Liverpool marksman Darwin Nunez to not get discouraged by his dry spells. The 25-year-old Uruguayan has been with the Reds since the summer of 2022.
In 96 games across competitions, Nunez hasn't quite set the stage on fire, contributing 33 goals and 17 assists. Last season, he bagged 18 goals and 13 assists in 54 outings in Jurgen Klopp's final campaign in charge.
Nevertheless, Aguero reckons Nunez is set to be a prolific scorer and shouldn't get disheartened with dry spells, telling Stake.com (via Metro):
“Credit where credit's due – I do (see Darwin Nunez having a good season). He's a dangerous player that's always prowling the goalposts.
“Each season, he refines his game... and as long as he doesn't let the anxiety of a dry spell get to him, Darwin will be a prolific goalscorer in due time. Darwin needs time to solidify, and sooner or later, he'll get there.”
Nunez is coming off a decent campaign with Uruguay at the 2024 Copa America in the United States, scoring twice in six games.
After scoring in the first two games, he went scoreless in four games, though, including the 1-0 semi-final loss to Colombia and the 4-3 shootout win over Canada in the third-place playoff following a 2-2 draw.
What's next for Liverpool?
Liverpool ended their pre-season with a goalless home draw with Granada on Sunday (August 11). They now kick off the Arne Slot era in right earnest when they travel to newly promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday (August 17) for their Premier League opener.
Earning back-to-back promotions - having played in League 1 in 2022-23 - Ipswich are back in the Premier League for the first time since the 2001-02 season. The Tractor Boys are one of only five teams in English football history - first since Southampton in 2012 - to earn consecutive promotions.
The group includes defending four-time Premier League winners Manchester City (2000), who open their quest for a fifth straight title at Chelsea on Sunday (August 18).
Meanwhile, the Reds are coming off a decent pre-season, winning four of six games, losing one. Their only loss was a 1-0 setback to Preston North End at the AXA Training Centre in Kirby in their pre-season opener, winning four straight games after that before the goalless stalemate with Granada at the weekend.