Dean Ashton suggests Liverpool have a player who everyone is laughing at

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Supporters across the country are ‘having a bit of a chuckle’ at Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.

Nunez has been a divisive figure ever since arriving from Benfica in 2022. Not for Liverpool fans it must be said, who are near-universal in their appreciation of what the 24-year-old offers.

But according to former England striker Dean Aston, Nunez has become a bit of a laughing-stock thanks to his high profile missed chances. However, speaking to TalkSPORT, Ashton did back the Uruguayan to eventually have the last laugh.

“I wouldn’t say [he’s] unlucky because some of the chances are excellent chances that you would expect a top striker to take,” explained the 39-year-old. “I think that’s a bit of him, I think he’s still developing, still needs to improve that clinical-ness. But the volume of opportunities he’s getting tells me he’s a super player in that sense and that he can improve and will improve as the games and seasons go on for Darwin Nunez.

“But at the moment it seems like a lot of people are probably having a bit of a chuckle as though he’s the type of player who’ll never get it right. I think he will, I just think the volume of chances he’s getting is a real positive.”

Nunez still silencing the doubters

This has been the case for Nunez ever since he arrived in the Premier League. Owing to his big frame, lightning speed and fiery personality, Liverpool’s No.9 is hard to miss.

As a result, anything that goes against him tends to be to the delight of opposition fans.

Unfortunately, since joining Liverpool Darwin has given these neighsayers plenty of ammunition. After another series of missed chances against Luton Town this weekend, the spotlight is on him once again. Nevertheless, Ashton says there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Uruguay international.

“He’s got so many attributes I think you’d want in that position,” says the former striker. “I think his movement’s decent, [although] he obviously still gets himself caught offside maybe one too many times for my liking. If you look at the very best even they miss a lot of chances. Look at [Erling] Haaland this season; yes he’s scored lots of goals but he’s missed a lot of chances.

“But the best keep getting in there, keep getting in there. I think he will get better and better. The big thing for him will be if Jurgen Klopp says ‘you’re my man every week, you are staring in the big games,’ I think that will elevate him and give him the confidence he needs.”

There’s no question that the uncertainty over a starting place and lack of rhythm hasn’t helped Nunez at times. But with other top-class options in the Liverpool squad, you have to earn your place and prove you deserve to keep it.

Until Sunday’s game at Luton, Nunez was definitely doing that. One game doesn’t necessarily change that.

So, for the time being Darwin should feel the backing of his manager. Klopp has spoken warmly and at length about the qualities he sees in his forward. The boss will continue to back him as long as he’s finding the net more often than not.

As Bournemouth fans found out last week, you don’t laugh at Nunez for long. He may be the punchline at times, but he usually comes out on top. He will again.