I saw ‘mad’ Liverpool player show exactly why Reds need to replace him during Newcastle draw

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Liverpool did not cover themselves in glory during a hectic draw against Newcastle on Wednesday.

The Reds have been excellent of late, deservedly earning plaudits from all corners of the football world.

But after beating Real Madrid and Manchester City in the space of four days last week, things fell apart a little at St James’ Park.

The draw was not a fatal blow for Liverpool who still sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

But what the 3-3 result did showcase is that Darwin Nunez is simply not a player the Reds can rely on to keep them there.

Nunez has had a tough season in-front of goal, but he has still managed to stand out in other ways without finding the net. On Wednesday, the signs were clear that time and patience have now run out for the 25-year-old.

Liverpool need to replace Darwin Nunez

Despite his lack of output, Nunez has still been impressive at times for Liverpool this term.

But it has also been very clear that every one of his attacking teammates has been outperforming him.

Mohamed Salah’s two goals and one assist on Wednesday mean that the Egyptian has now had a hand in 75% of the Reds goals in the Premier League this season.

With Luis Diaz chipping in and Cody Gakpo doing well in the cups, Nunez has stood out in that he simply has not picked up any of the slack. Two goals and one assist in the league is not enough.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe names ‘outstanding’ Liverpool player who Newcastle couldn’t deal with during 3-3 draw

Against Newcastle, that was all too apparant. It wasn’t just his lack of threat, Nunez was wayward in just about everything he did at St James’ Park.

Simple passes were going loose, tackles were not being won and runs were lacking any real purpose or cohesion.

Jamie Carragher called the No.9 ‘mad’ and predicted that Nunez won’t be at Liverpool next season while participating in a live watch-along of the match on Wednesday. And judging on this evidence, it’s hard to argue against that.

Who should Liverpool get instead?

There is of course still time for Nunez to turn things around at Anfield. But with every passing game, it feels like Arne Slot will be growing more convinced that the team should move forward without him.

There are strikers out there who could instantly improve upon what the Uruguayan is offering.

Alexander Isak is one of them. The Newcastle man was terrific during Wednesday’s game, firing home a brilliant effort and proving a constant menace.

Slot praised Isak after the game and perhaps the Reds will see the Swede as a viable option. Liverpool have been linked with Isak as his contract situation remains unresolved at St James’ Park.

Omar Marmoush is another prolific option, with the Egyptian continuing to stand out for Eintracht Frankfurt.

There are others besides, and perhaps Nunez can even still stick around to offer his own unique contribution as more of a squad player. For the time being, though, it’s painfully obvious that for Liverpool to get where they want to, Darwin needs to drop out of the XI.