'That's why': Arne Slot explains the real reason why he didn't sub Darwin Nunez off earlier vs Girona

Liverpool picked up a 1-0 win over Girona in the Champions League.

The Reds have now won every single game in the competition this season. They are almost guaranteed to go through to the knockout stages without having to take part in the play-offs.

Arne Slot has worked wonders since replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, and if he can get his side to keep going at the same rate, they could achieve something really special this season.

However, one player is still struggling at Liverpool. Slot has had his say on him.

Why Arne Slot did not sub Darwin Nunez off earlier during Liverpool’s win over Girona

Darwin Nunez continues to divide opinion at Liverpool.

The Reds signed the Uruguay international for a club-record £85 million. He was viewed by many as Liverpool’s answer to Manchester City recruiting Erling Haaland.

Nunez was unbelievable during his time at Benfica, but since joining Liverpool in 2022, the striker has had his ups and downs.

The 25-year-old has missed a total of 50 big chances in the Premier League since he signed for the club. He missed two in the Champions League clash against Girona on Tuesday night too.

Nunez was subbed off in the 71st minute. Some Liverpool fans felt he should’ve been substituted sooner – Slot has now revealed why he didn’t.

He said, as per Liverpool’s official website: “What I can agree on is that he missed a few chances. Then it’s always the question: does this have anything to do with low confidence or is this a situation where he’s in at the moment?

“I think every striker all around the world has periods where every ball goes in, and sometimes he has a period where you try so hard but you’re not able to score. The good thing is that we have many players that can score for us – today Mo (Salah) again.

“I would have loved to see Darwin score because I think every striker wants to score [and] needs goals – that’s why I kept him in for quite a long time. He was a threat but unfortunately, he couldn’t score.”

The most frustrating issue about Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez

Not every striker in the world can be as prolific as Luis Suarez or Fernando Torres were in the Premier League in their prime at Liverpool – it’s impossible.

Some players are just born goalscorers, others are not. So, it’s wrong to expect 30 goals a season from someone who isn’t at that level.

However, Nunez is actually good enough to get those numbers. He did it at Benfica before he moved to Anfield, and we really think he can come good in the Reds’ colours too.

The most frustrating part of Nunez is that he does everything right – he’s good on the ball, is rapid, his runs are excellent and he always gets into the right areas.

The only thing that’s missing is finishing. Liverpool fans will be hoping that he can find his feet on that front. If he does, he will become one of the best attackers in the Premier League.