Uruguayan media have expressed their views on Darwin Núñez following his substitution at halftime during Uruguay’s World Cup qualifying match against Brazil on Tuesday.
The game, held in Salvador, ended in a 1-1 draw with goals from Federico Valverde of Real Madrid and Brazil’s Gerson.
Núñez, who started for Uruguay, was replaced by Rodrigo Aguirre after a goalless first half. The substitution was confirmed as a tactical decision by coach Marcelo Bielsa, rather than being injury-related.
Bielsa’s decision reflected Núñez’s limited impact on the game, as he failed to register a single shot on target, partially due to insufficient support from his teammates.
Uruguayan media outlets critiqued Núñez’s performance, with local publication El Observador rating him 5/10. They acknowledged his defensive contributions but pointed out his lack of offensive output.
Similarly, El País noted his effective first touches and ability to play with his back to goal but emphasized his limited influence on the match before being substituted.
Liverpool fans may take some solace in Núñez playing only 45 minutes, potentially keeping him fresh for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Sunday.
This match will be followed by a demanding schedule that includes a Champions League clash against Real Madrid and a Premier League showdown with Manchester City.
The 25-year-old forward featured in both of Uruguay’s matches during the international break, highlighting his importance to the national team.
However, Liverpool’s manager will likely rely heavily on him in the coming weeks, especially with fellow forward Diogo Jota recovering from an injury sustained during the game against Chelsea.
Before the international break, Liverpool coach Arne Slot provided an update on Jota’s recovery, suggesting he could return one or two weeks after the break. Núñez, therefore, is expected to play a significant role in Liverpool’s attacking lineup as they navigate this challenging period.
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