Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has had a tough start to life at Liverpool, but he’s still been backed to become a success at Anfield. He arrived on Merseyside in June and despite a promising start with a goal against Manchester City in the Community Shield victory, as well as in the opening league game against Fulham – his form has fizzled out somewhat following a brief suspension.
Nunez came on as a substitute in both Champions League group stage matches against Napoli and Ajax before the international break, but hasn’t got on the scoresheet since the draw with Fulham almost two months ago. After arriving for a significant fee in the summer, with the potential to become a club record signing, it’s unsurprising there has been pressure on his shoulders and high expectation.
He certainly didn’t help his cause when he was sent off against Crystal Palace, at a time his team arguably needed him most. It was down to a moment of brilliance from Luis Diaz Liverpool were able to salvage a point from a disappointing night at Anfield. However, the striker recognised his mistake and vowed to come back stronger. He took accountability and it’s certainly an error he’s unlikely to make twice. But that hasn’t stopped the sheer amount of criticism and trolling he’s endured in his first few months as a Liverpool player.
The world of football twitter nowadays sees players judged after just a handful of appearances. Instant impact has become an expectation and anything less is frowned upon on social media.