Darwin Nunez is “not capable” of matching Mohamed Salah’s influence when he leaves, according to Michael Owen, who also referenced a possible departure to Saudi Arabia.
When Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were at Liverpool, it was not immediately clear that Salah was the club’s best striker, since the pair were also extremely valuable, and the three of them constituted a highly dangerous attacking force.
While Liverpool has attracted talent since they left, it isn’t quite at the same level, and Salah appears to be the best of the bunch. He has 202 goals for Liverpool in 331 games, which is the third-highest total in the club’s history.
However, the Saudi Pro League attempted to sign him in the summer, and those efforts may be repeated in the summer. Owen believes Nunez, who joined the club last summer, is insufficient to fill the void left by the Liverpool star.
“Suppose Mo Salah left and went to Saudi Arabia in the summer or something.” “Of course, when he eventually leaves, he won’t be there forever,” Owen told Premier League Productions.
“That will then bring him [Nunez] into focus.” Then Liverpool will wonder, ‘okay, where are we going to substitute 25 league goals every season?’
“That’s when the pressure will be ramped up and, he’s not [capable] at the moment.”
Nunez has been adequate at Anfield, but he has yet to develop into the lethal striker he claimed to be during his final season with Benfica.
During that season, the Uruguayan scored 32 goals across all competitions. In a year and a half at Liverpool, he has scored nine goals fewer than he did that season (23) (21).
This season, he has scored eight times, half as many as Salah, although having played one game more than the Egyptian.
While Salah’s possible departure will almost certainly result in the signing of another attacker, Liverpool will want to know that the players who are already at the club will contribute as well.
Owen believes Nunez is performing well now that he is playing alongside Salah, but his production may suffer if he goes on.
“Playing alongside Mo Salah probably helps,” Owen continued.