Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez led the line for Uruguay as they played out a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The 25-year-old has become a reliable goalscorer for his country after the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa, but the second international break of the season didn’t turn out to be too productive for him as he failed to find the back of the net in two games.
However, he ran his socks off and helped his team get a point at home after they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Peru in their previous encounter.
And the Uruguayan media delivered an interesting verdict on Nunez’s performance against Ecuador.
Liverpool attacker Darwin Nunez looked ‘tired’ for Uruguay
Nunez was stationed as Uruguay’s number nine, with Facundo Pellistri, Georgian de Arrascaeta and Maximiliano Araujo playing behind him.
The Liverpool striker produced an energetic display and came close to scoring as he was denied twice before the interval, first by Ecuador goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez and then by the post.
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El Observador rated his performance 5/10, saying: “He had a chance to score after a great pass from Federico Valverde in the 9th minute, but the rival goalkeeper, Galíndez, stopped him very well.
“He was very mobile, giving a hand even in the middle of the field. The left post denied him the goal at 32′ after a very good half-turn.
“In the second half, he continued to try and find a good way out with and without the ball. At times, he ended up getting tired.”
Nunez’s stats vs Ecuador
Nunez played the full 90 minutes for Uruguay and looked tired in the closing stages of the game, although he continued to work his socks off for his team.
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On top of being denied brilliantly by Galindez and hitting the woodwork once, he created one big chance for Uruguay and also made one key pass.
The Liverpool striker earned himself a Sofascore rating of 7.7 for his industrious display, second only to Federico Valverde and Sergio Rochet (both 7.8).
The £85m Liverpool man jaded at the full-time whistle and will be on a long flight back to England, so it remains to be seen if he earns a start as the Reds prepare to take on Chelsea on Sunday.
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