Topic: Darwin Núñez (Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro)

[Gerry Attrick]

Whoever brought xG to the forefront in the modern game needs to be sent to the Tower. Never cared for it, never will. Football is played on the field not on Microsoft Excel

Of course the irony being we’ve used stats as well as any team around to give us an edge. Good old Laptop Eddie and his mates shouldn’t be using stats, just what they see on the pitch.

[NarutoReds]

Whoever brought xG to the forefront in the modern game needs to be sent to the Tower. Never cared for it, never will. Football is played on the field not on Microsoft Excel

"Sent to the Tower". I lloooovvveee that phrases.      Always give me a sense of medievality.

[Fiasco]

Keitas been a damp squib, injuries or not
That's a terrible example to use to denigrate statistics. . Keitas been generally good to excellent according  to stats. Also to the eye test he's been good.

He's been a damp squib precisely because of injuries.

Has Keita been the player we were promised we were getting before he signed? Has he cemented his place unequivocally when he has been fit?  In terms of productivity with the ball is an assist every 20 games and a goal every 11 games good enough?

I appreciate stylistically he's more than what he does with the ball, and I'm sure his recovery numbers and pressing numbers are sound. But for 50 million, a year in advance? Come on. He's not the player we were promised and we were promised that based mainly on stats.

And on the eye test? I didn't mention that. But seeing as you did, he hasn't passed it for Klopp on more than one occasion given he was dragged off before half time in a CL quarter final against Real Madrid, and then taken off at half time against Atletico in another CL game. But the eye test only works when it's positive I suppose.

[Clayton Bigsby]

Of course the irony being we’ve used stats as well as any team around to give us an edge. Good old Laptop Eddie and his mates shouldn’t be using stats, just what they see on the pitch.

Of course we do. I'm not saying all stats are shit but this xG is bollocks to me personally but I'm no expert, far from it.

[Clayton Bigsby]

As for Darwin, I think we need to just relax. The fact Mane, Salah, Jota started off like a train might be skewing people's views.

[RedG13]

Of course we do. I'm not saying all stats are shit but this xG is bollocks to me personally but I'm no expert, far from it.

It legit basically the quality of shots you get. Do you not understand it?

[didi shamone]

Has Keita been the player we were promised we were getting before he signed? Has he cemented his place unequivocally when he has been fit?  In terms of productivity with the ball is an assist every 20 games and a goal every 11 games good enough?

I appreciate stylistically he's more than what he does with the ball, and I'm sure his recovery numbers and pressing numbers are sound. But for 50 million, a year in advance? Come on. He's not the player we were promised and we were promised that based mainly on stats.

And on the eye test? I didn't mention that. But seeing as you did, he hasn't passed it for Klopp on more than one occasion given he was dragged off before half time in a CL quarter final against Real Madrid, and then taken off at half time against Atletico in another CL game. But the eye test only works when it's positive I suppose.

I was never promised  anything with Keita or any other player so I can't answer that.
And yes his stats are solid. He got taken off in two games where our midfield was atrocious and both of his partners were equally bad. Quite like the Napoli game.
It's clear to everyone that injuries have ruined his spell here.
Anyway this isn't  the Keita thread. He's been done to death. This is  about our new scapegoat.

[TheMan]

He didn't come good until his second season at Benfica and the Portuguese league is less demanding.

He is up against it for a few reasons:

1. Comparisons with Haaland
2. He cost a lot of money
3. Every other forward we have signed in the last 5 or 6 seasons has started well

He will be excoriated during this first season and may not get many starts or goals. The real key will be how he gets on next season; does he have the character to deal with the criticism? Give the guy two full seasons before we come to any absolute judgements and then decide if we wish to sell or retain. We often retain players for longer than we should but he certainly deserves a lot more time to show what he can offer.

[plura]

Of course we do. I'm not saying all stats are shit but this xG is bollocks to me personally but I'm no expert, far from it.

Really don’t see it being particularly bad metrics to single out. It’s does the job. It means the quality of the goalscoring chance and likelihood of it being converted.

Of all football stats I think it’s one of the better ones. Teams or players with higher xg are doing something well to get that number.

Now obviously it doesn’t give you the full story (how did the player or team get into that position? And it doesn’t tell you that a player should over a season be 1-1 on the xg).

A shot on goal is a shot on goal, but it tells you nothing if the shot was a good opportunity or anything like that. So for me xg just gives a bit more flavour. But we don’t have to worry that the club’s using xg or any stats too simplistically.

[CowboyKangaroo]

Considering it was really one season, could that not indicate that he was, as the stats nerds say running hot?

I think we liked the 15.48 almost as much (if not more) than the 22.

[Mister Flip Flop]

A lot of people are going to look very silly when he finds his feet in this league. Massive potential there and he looks a deadly finisher to me. He's come into a team suffering big problems for whatever reason so ive no idea why people are being harsh on him but i've got a feeling some would like to see him fail.

[Lynndenberries]

Not really concerned about him. His shot volume is ridiculously good and he’s constantly in threatening positions. The reality is we didn’t need him to start hot. Jota is one of the best strikers in the league, so we’ll be fine in the interim. Darwin will find his place and role within the team over time.

[Davidbowie]

I have been underwhelmed with what I've seen of Darwin so far (which isnt a lot of admittedly).

I think this is because of how often he has managed some kind of air-kick, mis-control or poorly directed shot or header - which has been more than I would have expected from an £85 million signing.

I recall Peter Crouch saying something about Gerrard firing a hard pass into him in his first training session as a Liverpool player, which he took as a kind of test - which he controlled, and 'proved' that he was good enough to be there. I wonder if anything similar has happened with our players.

Seems like nitpicking of course, and I hope the lad gets 20 goals this season.. but unlike his compatriot Luis Suarez who was also occasionally iffy in his first season, he was also doing incredible things with the ball and looked like an absolute worldy - you just KNEW he had 'it'.

I'm not sure so with Nunez.. yet.

[El Lobo]

I have been underwhelmed with what I've seen of Darwin so far (which isnt a lot of admittedly).

I think this is because of how often he has managed some kind of air-kick, mis-control or poorly directed shot or header - which has been more than I would have expected from an £85 million signing.

I recall Peter Crouch saying something about Gerrard firing a hard pass into him in his first training session as a Liverpool player, which he took as a kind of test - which he controlled, and 'proved' that he was good enough to be there. I wonder if anything similar has happened with our players.

Seems like nitpicking of course, and I hope the lad gets 20 goals this season.. but unlike his compatriot Luis Suarez who was also occasionally iffy in his first season, he was also doing incredible things with the ball and looked like an absolute worldy - you just KNEW he had 'it'.

I'm not sure so with Nunez.. yet.

[redk84]

To me...he seems to have a lot about him. Is able to disrupt defences and is a problem to them which opens up space for others. Isn't blistering in pace but is quick enough and has a good stature so will always be a threat in the air too.

Needs to work on his finishing and interplay with team mates but that, especially the latter, can come with time

Lots more to come I feel and needs games

[Son of Spion]

A lot of people are going to look very silly when he finds his feet in this league. Massive potential there and he looks a deadly finisher to me. He's come into a team suffering big problems for whatever reason so ive no idea why people are being harsh on him but i've got a feeling some would like to see him fail.

Nunez has barely got started here yet. When he clicks, I think he'll really click.

[So… Howard Philips]

I have been underwhelmed with what I've seen of Darwin so far (which isnt a lot of admittedly).

I think this is because of how often he has managed some kind of air-kick, mis-control or poorly directed shot or header - which has been more than I would have expected from an £85 million signing.

I recall Peter Crouch saying something about Gerrard firing a hard pass into him in his first training session as a Liverpool player, which he took as a kind of test - which he controlled, and 'proved' that he was good enough to be there. I wonder if anything similar has happened with our players.

Seems like nitpicking of course, and I hope the lad gets 20 goals this season.. but unlike his compatriot Luis Suarez who was also occasionally iffy in his first season, he was also doing incredible things with the ball and looked like an absolute worldy - you just KNEW he had 'it'.

I'm not sure so with Nunez.. yet.

Despite his exceptional ability at taking hard passes under control it took Crouch 19 games to score his first game for Liverpool.

[MonsLibpool]

To me...he seems to have a lot about him. Is able to disrupt defences and is a problem to them which opens up space for others. Isn't blistering in pace but is quick enough and has a good stature so will always be a threat in the air too.

Needs to work on his finishing and interplay with team mates but that, especially the latter, can come with time

Lots more to come I feel and needs games

He is but he seems to need a few seconds to get going.

[RedG13]

To me...he seems to have a lot about him. Is able to disrupt defences and is a problem to them which opens up space for others. Isn't blistering in pace but is quick enough and has a good stature so will always be a threat in the air too.

Needs to work on his finishing and interplay with team mates but that, especially the latter, can come with time

Lots more to come I feel and needs games

He already reported recorded a sprint of 36.53 Km/Hr in the PL which is was the fastest in week 1
https://twitter.com/viaplayfotball/status/1556921744891469825?s=21&t=z-aJapYp5pG-uNkhvlU5PA

[Fromola]

I have been underwhelmed with what I've seen of Darwin so far (which isnt a lot of admittedly).

I think this is because of how often he has managed some kind of air-kick, mis-control or poorly directed shot or header - which has been more than I would have expected from an £85 million signing.

I recall Peter Crouch saying something about Gerrard firing a hard pass into him in his first training session as a Liverpool player, which he took as a kind of test - which he controlled, and 'proved' that he was good enough to be there. I wonder if anything similar has happened with our players. The team have generally stunk the house out this season as well barring Bournemouth which he missed and the game the other night.

Seems like nitpicking of course, and I hope the lad gets 20 goals this season.. but unlike his compatriot Luis Suarez who was also occasionally iffy in his first season, he was also doing incredible things with the ball and looked like an absolute worldy - you just KNEW he had 'it'.

I'm not sure so with Nunez.. yet.

He's shown a fair bit in limited time. Obviously Palace went badly (wasn't even on the pitch long in the end) and his other start at Goodison was very unlucky not to score a goal of the season contender, a ground where we always struggle to score apart from last season.

In the rest of his limited time he came off the bench to help turn the City and Fulham games in our favour, scoring in both. Scored 4 goals as a sub in a pre-season game. I'm sure the goals will come given the game time and support. In terms of him gelling with the team you hope that will come with time but the club knew what they were buying in terms of the style of player.

[Doc Red]

Despite his exceptional ability at taking hard passes under control it took Crouch 19 games to score his first game for Liverpool.

And wasn't it a fluke goal? Can't recall exactly but either it was a cross that went in or a shot that had a huge deflection.  😁

[killer-heels]

Nunez is in a great position in that Jota is back and is our main centre forward. Its no longer a case that he has to start and be under pressure to score. We can introduce him slowly and clearly it could take a while, but as long as we can keep Jota fit, Nunez will get that time.

[Hazell]

And wasn't it a fluke goal? Can't recall exactly but either it was a cross that went in or a shot that had a huge deflection.  😁

It was Wigan I think and yeah, a shot that took a massive deflection. He then scored again in the same game with a fine lob over the keeper.

It's still a bit made some (not many on here admittedly) are already writing Nunez off.

[Samie]

To me...he seems to have a lot about him. Is able to disrupt defences and is a problem to them which opens up space for others. Isn't blistering in pace but is quick enough and has a good stature so will always be a threat in the air too.

Needs to work on his finishing and interplay with team mates but that, especially the latter, can come with time

Lots more to come I feel and needs games

He's actually deceptively quick.

Clocked the second top speed in the Champions League last season.

[SinceSixtyFive]

The lad will be great for us.

I'm not one for stats and graphs so can't really comment about that.

Not sure (apart from the red card) where the "slow start" stuff is coming from or those doubting his ability or... (geez) his pace.

But as I said don't really do the stats stuff.

All I go on is how he looks to me as a player and my own view is that I feel he will be an exceptional goalscorer for us.

Time will tell but when it all pans out in a few weeks I won't be shy in crowing "told ya so".

[Hazell]

Yep that's exactly right. Everyone wants to declare a judgement and be the earliest to do so.

As I remarked several years ago

I once signed an unheard of Javier Mascherano from River Plate for Liverpool on Pro Evo, long before he was a glint in Pardew's eye. So I know what you mean.

[Asam]

Nunez is in a great position in that Jota is back and is our main centre forward. Its no longer a case that he has to start and be under pressure to score. We can introduce him slowly and clearly it could take a while, but as long as we can keep Jota fit, Nunez will get that time.

Yes Jota returning helps the entire squad in many ways

Nunez will take time to bed in but he'll be fine

[Crosby Nick]

Nunez has barely got started here yet. When he clicks, I think he'll really click.

Is he a dolphin?

[Son of Spion]

Is he a dolphin?

Well, his entire porpoise is to score goals.

[Ghost Town]

Well, his entire porpoise is to score goals.

Yeah I heard that in a recent podcast

[Ghost Town]

I once signed an unheard of Javier Mascherano from River Plate for Liverpool on Pro Evo, long before he was a glint in Pardew's eye. So I know what you mean.

Heh I never did that but I did see Masch play before he came to West Ham and thought 'we need him'. Momo+ who takes no prisoners. Was annoyed when he went to West Ham and proper made up when he came to us. Still one of my fave ever LFC players

[Oh Jimmy Jimmy]

Yes Jota returning helps the entire squad in many ways

Absolutely, the kid has got everytihing about him but will take half a season at least to learn how we play. It took Rushie 2 years in the reserves, which is unrealistic these days but the principle is still the same.

Nunez will take time to bed in but he'll be fine

[Jambo Power]

It legit basically the quality of shots you get. Do you not understand it?

Call it that then. Because expected goals is absolute horseshit, you cant really expect anything than what happens when it comes to the be all and end all of football, which is goals.

[afc tukrish]

Yeah I heard that in a recent podcast

We Shoal Overcome?

[him_15]

The problem is we don't have a KDB type of player to support him.

[kj999]

Every day i come in this thread and laugh at the level of deep analysis people are doing about a fella who has made 3 starts for us.

It's nonsense guys. Knock it off. There is NO POINT making some of the levels of analysis off of the back of a pathetically small number of minutes.

[kj999]

Not gonna bother even reading some of the stupidity being said in this thread

Ill say one thing

HES PLAYED 259 MINS OF COMPETITIVE PLAY FOR US AND HAS 3 G/A. He is averaging currently a goal contribution every 86 mins

Salah averaged a goal contribution every 84 mins last season

Is it a small sample size? Sure fucking is

But people are using that same small sample to write him off or call him a flop or shit, fucking mental considering he hasnt even played 3 full games worth of minutes yet for us

Judge him at the end of the season, if hes averaging goal contribution every 200mins+ then MAYBE you can say he wasnt worth the money, but again to even make that judgement after one season is NUTS. Also a G/A every 200mins would be about 20 G/A in a full season or around there

THIS x100

[nerdster4]

It’s far too early . However there are some warning signs :

1. We don’t tend to pay these types of fees. Vvd was far more established when we bought him.
2. Whilst he is not a Mane replacement , he is seen as one . Mane was a beast of a player. A proper elite forward .
3. The timing means he will compared to Haaland who might be a generational talent .
4. 1 , 2 and 3 add a lot of pressure. Giving him time is fine but we must accept that this may mean no title challenge given how well our rivals have started . This requires a mature fan base and him drowning out media and rival fans commentary .
5. He hasn’t so far as far as I see managed the mental side. His community shield and Fulham cameos were enormously successful yet he followed that up with a head butt, a fairly anonymous game against Everton (volley aside) and a bad miss against Ajax. This needs to improve .

On a positive note he gets roasted for his touch and control. The volley against Everton and his near assist against Ajax suggests this is nonsense . He is also a presser and a sprinter. He does however need to start drowning out the criticisms/doubts he will inevitably receive and prove that he is worth the extraordinary fee . It’s currently weighing heavy on his shoulders .

[El Lobo]

The problem is we don't have a KDB type of player to support him.

Why would we need a KDB type player to support him...? 

[ChrisOH]

It’s far too early . However there are some warning signs :

1. We don’t tend to pay these types of fees. Vvd was far more established when we bought him.
2. Whilst he is not a Mane replacement , he is seen as one . Mane was a beast of a player. A proper elite forward .
3. The timing means he will compared to Haaland who might be a generational talent .
4. 1 , 2 and 3 add a lot of pressure. Giving him time is fine but we must accept that this may mean no title challenge given how well our rivals have started . This requires a mature fan base and him drowning out media and rival fans commentary .
5. He hasn’t so far as far as I see managed the mental side. His community shield and Fulham cameos were enormously successful yet he followed that up with a head butt, a fairly anonymous game against Everton (volley aside) and a bad miss against Ajax. This needs to improve .

On a positive note he gets roasted for his touch and control. The volley against Everton and his near assist against Ajax suggests this is nonsense . He is also a presser and a sprinter. He does however need to start drowning out the criticisms/doubts he will inevitably receive and prove that he is worth the extraordinary fee . It’s currently weighing heavy on his shoulders .

You'd be fun at a party.