Wayne Rooney Believes Liverpool is Missing Darwin Nunez

In a recent episode of The Overlap Fan Debate, former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney claimed that Liverpool FC has missed the contributions of Darwin Nunez since the Uruguayan striker's departure from Anfield last summer.[1][4]

The 2025 summer transfer window marked significant upheaval for Arne Slot's squad. Following their Premier League triumph the previous season, several key players departed, including Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and Luis Diaz. The tragic loss of Diogo Jota further compounded the changes, leaving gaps in the attack.[1][4]

Nunez, aged 26, joined Saudi club Al-Hilal, where he managed nine goals in 24 appearances before being excluded from their Saudi Pro League roster due to foreign player limits after Karim Benzema's arrival.[1][4]

Rooney highlighted Liverpool's decline this season, attributing it partly to the player exodus. He stated: "Look at Liverpool from last season to now. I think Salah and Van Dijk haven’t been at their best. You’ve got Trent missing. Robertson hasn’t played a lot of games, Luis Diaz [left], the Jota situation. Even Nunez brought something. I know he wasn’t great, but he brought something to the team. Liverpool have lost a lot of players, so there is a sort of rebuild."[1][4]

Despite Nunez's inconsistent form at Liverpool—often criticized for wayward finishing—Rooney praised his unique "chaotic energy" and impact as a substitute. Matches where Liverpool appeared blunt upfront underscored his potential value off the bench.[1][6]

While hindsight makes Rooney's view seem astute, Nunez's exit felt inevitable at the time, given frustrations with his finishing. His charisma, ferocity, and contributions endeared him to fans, ensuring a warm welcome on any future return to Anfield.[1]

Liverpool's ongoing rebuild amid injuries and departures has exposed vulnerabilities, validating Rooney's assessment of Nunez's intangible spark.[4]

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