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Liverpool fans and Jurgen Klopp have persevered with Darwin Nunez since his mega-money arrival from Benfica in July 2022.
The 24-year-old has repaid the faith with an improved return of 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 games so far in the 2023-24 campaign – but question marks remain about his composure and finishing.
Will the next Liverpool manager give Nunez, 24, the same respite period to prove himself in the English game?
Diogo Jota, 27, is currently out of action with a knee injury he picked up against Brentford last month but has proven himself more than worthy to start in the central striker’s role ahead of Nunez in the 2023-24 campaign.
Football Insider examines the stats which could see the Uruguay international binned for Jota when a new manager comes in.
Jota stats embarrass Nunez – Uruguayan has missed 22 big chances this season
The Portugal international has notched 14 goals and four assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this term, but only 18 of those outings have come as part of the starting lineup.
As per FBRef, Jota has contributed (scored or assisted) to 1.03 goals per league 90 this season – the 10th-most in Europe’s big five leagues and comparable to the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
Meanwhile, Nunez has recorded 0.77 expected goals per league 90 this season – among the highest figures in Europe – but has managed just 0.57 goals per Premier League game in reality (per FBRef).
On the other hand, Jota (per FBRef) has scored 4.6 more league goals than expected this season – the most clinical campaign of his career so far.
He has recorded the second-most goal-creating actions per game (dribbles, passes and drawing fouls) in Europe’s big five leagues (1.12 per 90) – behind only Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele (1.20 per 90).
As per the Premier League, Nunez has missed 22 big chances in top-flight games this term – while Jota has spurned just two.
The Portugal international star’s impressive stats come despite being shunted out wide regularly to help incorporate the likes of Nunez and Cody Gakpo into Klopp’s side.
Could he be given a starring role when the German’s successor arrives at Anfield? Could it be at the expense of Nunez?
In other news, Liverpool chief Michael Edwards sets sights on game-changing Ligue 1 deal.
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