Darwin Nunez, once signed by Liverpool for 85 million euros and later bought by Al-Hilal for 53 million euros, is again facing questions about whether he can deliver on his potential. The article says the Uruguayan striker, now 26 and long compared with Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo, was supposed to be the answer to Luis Suarez for Uruguay as well, but he was benched after touching the ball only seven times in one half against Cape Verde, including the kickoff.
The piece argues that Nunez has the physical tools of a top striker, he is big, fast and capable around goal, yet he has struggled to sustain form at Liverpool and later in Saudi Arabia. At Liverpool, he scored on debut but spent three years missing chances and failing to hold a permanent place under Jurgen Klopp or Arne Slot. In Saudi Arabia, his last league goal came in January, and in February he was left out because of the foreign-player limit.
The article says his career has followed a recurring pattern, promising starts followed by missed chances and a loss of confidence. It notes that at Liverpool he was warmly received, but the Haaland comparisons hurt him. In the Saudi league, the combination of massive expectations, huge wages and sparse crowds can create a “golden cage” that has hurt other players too.
Nunez’s international record is also fading. He has not scored in his last 10 Uruguay appearances, after scoring 13 goals in his previous 29. His most remembered moment for Uruguay remains a Copa America brawl with Colombia fans after a semifinal loss. Coach Arne Slot said, “He works like crazy. I can live with his misses, he scored important goals for us. I cannot live with his behavior after those misses.” The article says the Cape Verde match may be a decisive turning point, because another poor showing could deepen the sense that his career has become one long missed opportunity.
